Happy Retirement, Mom!

Beauty.

After 41 years of nursing, the greatest woman I know, my mother, will be retiring tomorrow. You have no idea how much I wish I were there to celebrate this moment with her. After all those days of working overtime, of taking work calls at home, of meeting people outside of work, she will finally be able to let go a little and relax! She's not giving up nursing completely -- I don't think she ever will. But she's giving up her full time gig. I am so happy for her and hope she enjoys her new part time schedule. (And I'm sure she will!)

So here is where I gush about her, and let you all know how proud I am to have her as a mom.

As far as mothers go, I don't think I could have asked for a better one. She's my best friend, my best source of advice, my example. She is one of the most compassionate people I know. She is always willing to help others, and often goes the extra mile to do so, not caring what she has to give up in return. She's a hard worker. She fights for what she believes in. She is strong, beautiful, smart, thoughtful, caring, and selfless. And I can't imagine what my life would be like without her.

My mom has always been my biggest supporter. Always. She has always trusted me, and has always believed in me and my ability to make good choices. She gave me a lot of independence as a teenager, and in return, I always knew that she had my back when I needed her. She's the kind of mom that you can call at any time of night, with any kind of problem, and she will never get angry. All she cares about is our well-being and safety. She raised my brother and me on her own, and she gave up so much of her own time and life to make sure that we were able to do what we wanted to do. She would give anything to make sure we're happy -- and she has. It's not cheap or easy to move to Spain, but she makes it work. When I need somebody to talk to, she's the first person I call -- despite the time differences and international calling rates.  I hope she knows how much I have appreciated the sacrifices that she's made for me.

I just hope that someday I will grow up to be as compassionate and caring as she is. I hope that I can have the same strength and courage that she has, to fight for what I believe in. And I hope that when I have children of my own, I can be as good of a mother as she has been to me. The world needs more people like her.

I have definitely been blessed.
Love you, mom! I'm so proud of you! And I wish you all the best!