Happy Mother's Day

I have been blessed to be around some of the best “Moms” ever. Today I just wanted to express some thoughts to share with all.

My Mom is an amazing all around woman. She raised two children, built a successful career, and managed to have fun all along the way. Just like her Mom she seems to be ageless. My Mom has never been one to stick her nose where it does not belong. In mine and my sister’s adult life she has let us find our way but has always been there when we needed advice or support. She has an inner strength that shows in many aspects of her life and it is one of the things that I admire about her. Forget the success of her career as an entrepreneur and leader of a large successful real estate company; how about putting a 15 year old kid in his place when he decided he could handle his mother. Just ask her how tall she is and she will tell you, “4’11&3/4 inches". As a 15 year old I towered over her and got a little bit too big for my britches one day. I don’t remember the circumstances but I do know that I was being a little punk and mouthing off to her. As I recall I don’t think I was able to finish my thought before I was introduced unceremoniously to my Mom’s open right hand coming across my cheek. That’s right, this is the one and only time that my Mom slapped my face. She did not say a word after words, she didn’t have to either. I stormed out of the house and went down the block telling her that I was running away. I ended up spending the night at a friend’s house on the next block, his Mom called mine to let her know where I "ran away" to. There may have been the occasional talk back or other minor offense after this incident but I don’t think I ever disrespected my Mom again after that day. This is probably not the typical warm fuzzy Mother’s Day story, but I think it illustrates her strength and ability to determine how much pressure to apply to any given situation. This is actually a good memory for me; in a split second I learned that stature does not necessarily represent strength or heart; and that no matter how big I am, Mom is still the boss.

And just a quick memory to share that is more recent. On my wedding day my Mom told me told me that she had experienced a certain feeling two times in her life. She told me that the first time she felt it was the day that I was born and the second time was when she gave me a big bear hug after lighting the candles during our wedding ceremony. I Love you too Mom!!

I am also blessed by another well rounded woman. My lovely bride has shown her own ability and strength to manage life, especially lately. I have been in awe of her actions since Miss Katherine came into this world a few months ago. Cindy has managed to juggle work and family perfectly all of the while holding onto perspective. She is truly cherishing every moment with her baby girl whether it is late nights, early mornings, spit ups, runny noses, etc.; she is enjoying every minute. She knows this is her last baby and she is soaking up every memory. We also take a few pictures, some videos, and blog a bit. As one of her friends told her recently, the daily lives of our kids are probably the most documented on the planet. Cindy is an incredible wife, an amazing Mom, and a treasured employee. Nobody in the world has higher expectations of Cindy then me and she has completely blown me away with her attitude, effort, and dedication to our family. To my wife, thank you for everything you do every day for our family. I wish that I did a better job telling you that more often. I Love you and Happy Mother’s Day.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Mommy’s out there.

The Husband