Now a Tribute to you, my love.

Fairly recently, my mom added a post to her blog called, "A tribute to you, my love." It was all about my dad and how he is so strong. He truly is an amazing man. He has been incredible throughout this entire cancer ordeal. I can honestly say that I have only seen him down maybe twice through it all. Which is pretty darn good if you ask me... However, I really don't think my mom knows how incredibly strong she is herself. You cannot imagine what this woman goes through and puts up with. And she does it all with a smile on her face.

The other day my boss sent me halfway to Twin to meet someone from our Twin store so that we could do a pickup. She had me take her truck since my little car can't fit too much in it. As I was driving along I was listening to the radio. A country song came on by Craig Morgan. It's called Tough. Now I've always been an emotional wreck, but I have been EXTREMELY emotional lately. The littlest things seem to set me off, and before I know it I'm full out bawling. Like hysterically. I can't control it, and it's getting a little frustrating. Anyway, as I listened to this song, I couldn't help but think of my mother. It doesn't fit her perfectly, but it's really really close. Obviously, she's not my wife, but I think you'll get the picture. There's also a part where it talks about her getting cancer and being sick. That hasn't happened to her, but we've been through a very similar situation. And she danced through it in a very similar fashion. Here are the lyrics...

Tough by Craig Morgan

She’s in the kitchen at the crack of dawn

Bacon’s on, coffee’s strong

Kids running wild, taking off their clothes

If she’s a nervous wreck, well it never show.

Takes one to football and one to dance

Hits the Y for aerobics class

Drops by the bank, stops at the store

Has on a smile when I walk through the door

The last to go to bed, she’ll be the first one up

And I thought I was tough

Chorus

She’s strong, pushes on, can’t slow her down

She can take anything life dishes out

There was a time

Back before she was mine

When I thought I was tough

We sat there five years ago

The doctors let us know, the test showed

She’d have to fight to live, I broke down and cried

She held me and said it’s gonna be alright

She wore that wig to church

Pink ribbon pinned there on her shirt

No room for fear, full of faith

Hands held high singing Amazing Grace

Never once complained, refusing to give up

And I thought I was tough

Chorus

She’s strong, pushes on, can’t slow her down

She can take anything life dishes out

There was a time

Back before she was mine

When I thought I was tough

She’s a gentle word, the sweetest kiss

A velvet touch against my skin

I’ve seen her cry, I’ve seen her break

But in my eyes, she’ll always be strong

There was a time

Back before she was mine

When I thought I was tough

So here I am, driving this huge truck down the old highway, tears streaming down my face. If anyone would have passed me, they probably would have thought something was seriously wrong. Mom's not perfect, she's terrible when it comes to any kind of electronc device. Sometimes I roll my eyes when she asks for help with the computer. But she learns more and more everyday. She's even taught me a thing or two lately. I love and respect my mother so much. I can't believe how strong she is. I want to be just like her! I want my kids to feel the same way about me as I do about her. I watch her with my siblings, I see the way she takes care of my dad. Whenever I'm feeling stressed, or confused, or worried, or just a little blue she just has a way of saying exactly what I need to hear. Sometimes it's just a touch, a glance, or a little kiss goodnight. My mom is an amazing woman. I truly admire her. I like the line where it says, "...last to go to bed, she'll be the first one up." That's Mom. She always makes sure everything is done and taken care of. She takes care of EVERYONE before herself.

Thank you Mom. For teaching me, for encouraging me, for protecting me, for putting up with me, and for just loving me. You have always made me feel so special and like I was worth so much. You are my best friend and I love you.