Recently, I have begun to reflect on how I was as a teenager. After coming into contact with this subgroup on a regular basis in my job profession, I began to think back on my youthful days. Not that I am ancient now, but in a sense, more mature.

I think of my teenage angst only a few short years ago. And angst is an understatement. I was a horrid child at times.  Undoubtedly, I thought I had the world figured out and I was simply waiting for everyone else to catch up with me. My poor mother.

This realization, and the fact that it was just Mother's Day, led me to the conclusion that my mother is simply a saint. I mean this in the literal sense, not in a facetious way. Without her guidance and constant support, there is no telling what my present status would look like. Time and time (and time and time and time......) again my mother had the patience to deal with my issues and once again, set me in the right direction.

This also led me to question my ability to parent. If I am anything like my mother, there will be no worries. However, it's obvious we haven't seen eye to eye a few (or countless) times. Although this could be due to the fact that these squabbles occurred in my prime, there is still that possibility that I won't be able to live up to this standard my mother has set in place.

In the end, my appreciation for my mother continues to grow substantially. If you are lucky enough to have your mother in your life, you should tell her this everyday. Although Mother's Day is a special day set aside during the year, the appreciation for your mother should never go unnoticed. Plus, if I am ever worried about my potential to mother, I am always able to drop the children off at grandma's.

I love you dearly Mom and am thankful for you not only on Mother's Day, but everyday!