If your mom is like my mom (and maybe she’s not) you probably didn’t realize how cool she was until you left for college. Something about that close proximity and constant nagging really gets in the way of a strong mother daughter bond, regardless of which one of you is nagging the other one. Nonetheless, it feels a lot easier to connect to your parents when you don’t see them every day, so when you do see them it feels more special.
I have a young mom, she’s 36, and I’m about to turn 19; the lack of age difference sometimes throws off the balance of our relationship. My mom had me in high school and then went on to raise me while working full-time and going all the way through a masters program in counselling (yeah I know she’s pretty badass). However, sometimes it was hard for me to see through to just how wonderful she is as a human being; we were not always the best of friends, and our relationship was really challenging throughout high school. Yet, now that I am in college, my mom is my best friend; I call her almost every day and I ask for her advice on every single one of my-prevalent-mistakes.
Here are a few reasons why Moms are great (or my mom at least):
1. She always picks up the phone when I call, or calls me back very quickly.
Whenever I am having a rough day, or I need a bit of cheering up, my mom is always there to remind me to keep my head up and to brighten up my day. She’s down to listen to whatever is going on, and laughing at me when it is needed.
2. If I want to surprise her with a visit, I can guarantee she’ll be excited.
Take this weekend for example, I don’t have classes on Friday’s and I got out early on Thursday and caught a ride home to come surprise my mom. While our hometown got the first snowstorm of the season, we got to catch up almost as though we were old friends and enjoy the cold weather.
3. She’s always a shoulder to cry on after a bad breakup.
Seriously, she’s the best.
4. She gives the best advice.
Whenever I’m feeling lost, or as though I need a direction with some dilemma in life, my mom is always there to lead me in a better direction. She’s helped me avoid some serious life mistakes, and she also lead me on the path that brought me to Berkeley. No one ever thinks about how much work goes into being a parent, and she definitely deserves many thanks for all that she has done.
5. She takes care of me when I am sick.
Whether it be an allergic reaction, or a cold, she knows what medicine will make me feel better, or which tea will make breathing easier.
6. She’s reliable.
The one part of my life I never have to worry about is whether or not my mom will be there for me. She always keeps her word, and she does more for me than anyone should ever be expected to do for anyone else.
(Love you Mom)