Why My Mommy Is the Best Mommy, by Amy, Age (2)6

Remember those essays from elementary school? We always had to write about such profound topics and could only come up with a few meager sentences like, "My mommy is the best mommy because she loves me. My mommy is the best mommy because she tucks me in at night. My mommy is the best mommy because she has brown hair. The end." Unfortunately, I'm not that much more verbose now; I just know bigger words and proper grammar (please note the proper usage of the semi-colon above).

I did happen to luck out and have a great mom, though. She's smart and funny, and she gives the best advice in the world on any topic. She sings in a chorus. She also basically looks the same as she did in high school, except now her hair's shorter. So far, it looks like she passed that on to me (with the help of my dad's genes, too), so while I don't enjoy being called "kid" by current co-workers, I am looking forward to it at my 20-year high school reunion.

She taught (and is still teaching) me to cook Italian food. She drove my brother and me to school even though we lived blocks away from both our elementary and high schools. She was always in my brother's and my corners, ready to fight for both of us until we became too embarrassed to have our mom fight for us, but she still would, if she had to. She always stressed (and still does stress) proper word usage and grammar. As a kid, having my mom correct me when I said "good" instead of "well" was mildly annoying. As an adult in the working world, I find every one of those admonishments invaluable. (I told you I know big words. [T-shirt idea?])

My mom and dad raised two (semi-)independent adults who are passionate about the fields in which they are working (although, my brother has the cooler job). This is no small feat in this day and age, in this tough economic time, etc. They also still shell out some money to us kids if we ask really nicely, and we do.

What I'm really trying to say here is, Mom, Mommy, I need some money. Can I please have some money? (Just kidding, Mom. Really.)

I've also seen my mom tackle difficult life situations with an almost shocking amount of logic, grace, and ease. I'm sure she would beg to differ, but she's awe-inspiring when the going gets tough. As I grow up, I'm starting to realize this particular skill involves a lot of winging it, but nobody wings it like my mom.

I'm sure there's a bunch of moms out there - probably hundreds of 'em. But I think my mom is the best. Michelle Obama seems pretty good too. The end.

I love you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!