From Joe

Mother's Day means different things to guys at different times in our lives.   When we're younger and single it's all about our mom, the woman who gave birth to us, stayed up late with us, worried about us and always kept loving us no matter what.   When you get married Mother's day becomes the celebration of two moms; yours and the mother of your wife, the Mother in Law.   The favorite target of some standup comedians, but often your most important ally.

Then when you have children Mother's day transforms again.  It's still about your mom and your mother in law, but all is trumped now by the mother of your children.   The woman who sometimes struggles with thoughts of being a good enough mother, wife or coworker.   I know being a mom has never been all roses, but I guess (especially after reading her last blog entry) being a Mom has never been more difficult.  Hearing (and now seeing) how moms juggle work, relationships,  family and friends really gives me an appreciation for what she does; what my mom did; and what so many of you do with little fanfare everyday.

It's probably true about all of us in life.   We take on new responsibilities that are sometimes overwhelming in the beginning, but we manage somehow.  After awhile we get the hang of it and get into a routine.   Men and Women are all aware that even with the routine there are some things that become neglected: our spouse, our work, our bodies, our friends - or sometimes all of them.  Still we make the sacrifices because we love of children, and they are always worth it. 

Every once in awhile though... and I hope you all get to hear it more than once a year when the calendar helps guys wake up from the fog that is OUR routine... it's nice to hear that what you do matters, that I appreciate you for everything you do and for everything that having children prevents you from being able to do.   That having you as my partner on this winding trail of life was the right choice when I asked you to join me and it is still the right choice.  That I can still get lost in your eyes and your smile in a public place despite all the distractions.  And that sometimes just laying on the couch or the hammock and not saying a word with you is all it takes to make me a happy man.

Happy Mothers day you knucklehead!

And to all the other mothers out there... thanks for giving us all the opportunity to love something so completely as a precious child, or two or three!