To my Momma..

You may be wondering about the picture of potato salad that heads this story. You shouldn't. It's the same recipe that's made it through countless years of family reunions, and many good years of 4th of July celebrations. Just like my Momma, this recipe is tried and true. And I thought, a pretty good way to show how Momma really does just make everything taste/sound/feel better. When you see Mother's Day cards in Hallmark, they say things thanking Mommas for "loving me", "helping me grow", and "just for loving me". For me, Momma's Day means so much more.
Yesterday on the phone my Momma and I were "solving the world's problems" and near the end of the conversation she told me..."Ash, I know that you're 8,000 miles away, but I feel like you're RIGHT here beside me". I told her I felt the same way, got choked up, and we said our I love yous. I've been thinking about that a lot today. But..it's more than just a passing phone call. With one ring, and 10 seconds of conversation, my Momma knows if I'm happy, sad, or indifferent. And, if sad or indifferent, we work that out before I hang up. Momma has always been that way. Able to read me just by hearing me.
And that's why she is a true embodiment of what Mother's Day is. She is my protector, my comforter, my shielder from anything bad that might happen, and my very best friend. And when she tells me during a phone call that she loves me...I feel that all the way to the bottom of my feet and up again.
Momma, I love you too...and I pray that I can one day be the same influence on Doodle that you are on me.
Happy Mother's Day - to the BEST MOMMA EVER!!!!

A Momma...and the two daughters she raised JUST right :).