My mother taught me more than she will ever realize.

She taught me that chocolate is vital to existence. She taught me that when it comes to gingerbread houses and birthday cakes constructed to look like behemoth structures like miniature golf courses and high school lockers, patience and stale candy are the key.  She taught me that “weird” food from far off lands is a delicious adventure that makes you cool just by eating it.  She taught me when eating Chinese food, no matter how Americanized it may be, you must always use chopsticks.

My mother is the kind of mother who still sends my sister and I care packages for every imaginable holiday, brimming with candy and the ubiquitous holiday themed socks (no matter that we are both in our 30s).  She is also the kind of mother that no matter how big and seemingly unattainable our dreams have been, knew that we could reach them.  She also knew, and reminded us often, that dreams don’t come easy.  Dreams are things you work your fingers to the bone to achieve, so you better get cracking.

My mother taught me what it means to love.  Love is not passive; it takes hard work, sacrifice, and determination.  But whether that love is for what you do, where you are, or for another person, love is always worth it.

Thank you for the lessons, Mommie.  Happy Mother’s Day.