Mother's Day

Mom,

     First off, Happy Mother's Day! I wish I was in Louisville right now so I could be with you. Now that's saying something, because I have only wished I was back in Kentucky maybe five times. 

     Who would've thought the girl who cried leaving you during elementary school would go away to college for four years, then pack up and move across the country? I was only able to do so because of the values you instilled in me growing up. You taught me to believe in myself and to be confident in who I am.  You always say 'I love you' before hanging up the phone, even though I don't always say it back. I notice you say it though and I'm glad you do. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed to vent, for always listening and keeping things just between you and I. Even though we argue and disagree, I still respect you.  
     I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I realize how blessed I am to have a mother as open minded and supportive as you.  I am grateful that you supported my decision to move to CA. While I know you didn't exactly like it, you never once made me feel guilty for leaving. You understood my reasons and never questioned my decision. I hope one day soon you will be able to come out to CA and see this wonderful, crazy state I live in.

     Here I am, following in your footsteps with owning my own in-home daycare. Thank you for helping me with it. You have given me great tips and advice. Not to mention, you're the reason I know how to handle a million kids at once, plus get them all to nap at the same time. So thank you for starting your daycare yearsssss ago. I have learned so much from it. 

     Thank you for always sending me notes and packages. I love when I get mail. It makes my day! I have the card you and Dad sent me a while ago on my bulletin board/head board. 

     I miss you. After being here almost five months, I realized I miss the little things we used to do together. I miss going out to lunch after church on Sundays and going to the mall & to eat on Friday nights. I miss watching Wheel of Fortune together while eating pizza on Wednesdays. I miss hanging out with you and the kids in the afternoons.  It's so different not having anywhere to be today. I asked my friend to go to kickboxing with me today, but she had a family thing. My other friend was at lunch and going to the movies with her family. I just miss having family around; being with people who actually know me. Even though I don't act like I do, I miss living at home...sometimes.
     Which is why I am so excited to be home for a few days! I have a countdown on my phone. Thirty-two days left! The time is flying by. I can't believe I have been here so long already. Each week goes by so fast out here, it's ridiculous. I have a feeling that once I'm home, I may not be so eager to come back. I want you and Dad to take me to the airport that Tuesday. Maybe we can go to an early dinner beforehand.  
     I hope you have a wonderful day! You deserve it, Mom! I will see you so soon!!!! :)


                                                                                            I love you & miss you,
                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                     Randi