First day of school...again

This morning while driving to the first day of my 7th semester at MTSU, I did what I most always do when I find myself alone for a certain amount of time. I talked to God and thanked him for all the stuff that is going so good in my life.

This morning in particular I had alot to be greatful for;

a $4000 a year scholarship to school so that my parents have a little less money stress,

a major that won't take me 8 years to complete and that will allow me to get a job that I will actually enjoy,

a car that gets really great gas mileage (for the three times a week drive to Murfreesboro),

the fact that I didn't have a panic attack last night while preparing for a semester with FOUR english classes,

getting the chance to take two classes taught by professors that I have had before and actually really like

and most of all....something that I couldn't stop thinking about almost the whole way to school; a mom who still celebrates my first day of school.

She didn't make me breakfast in bed like she use to, but she did set out my travel coffee mug. She didn't wake me up forty minutes before I actually needed to be up like she use to, but she did get her shower out of the way earlier so that I would be able to jump in and shower as soon as I woke up. And she didn't drive me to school like she use to, but she did walk me out to my car, make sure that I had a jacket and flashlight in my car, warn me that it might rain, make sure that I had some cash and, most importantly, gave me a big hug and told me she loved me and to not worry so much about being the best just to be myself and get the job done....something that she has always done. Encouraging words and actions like that have been a staple in our relationship; something that has kept me grounded and a reason that I think she and I have remained close through everything, long after many moms and daughters have stopped sharing everything with one another.

My mom is definately one of the best and I probably don't say it nearly enough, so I just thought I'd share this with all of you. Just remember moms, it's little stuff like a big hug before school and reminding your kids to do their very best that could make a big impact on their day whether you realize it or not, whether you do it on a regular basis or not...to all the moms out there who are great mine most definately included - thank you!

ps. I won't even get started on my dad...he's wonderful too. He gets up at 4:30 am and doesn't get off work until 4:30 pm...then turns right around and helps his brother take care of my grandfather. In the midst of all that, he manages to find time to be a great dad - he cooks, helps at the store, we talk, he helps me with homework or work-work when he can and spends quality time with both me and mom. He didn't get to see me off this morning but I'm sure he'll be calling at some point before the school day is out to see how it's going. I thank him too!