A Salute to Mama Fenix

With Mother's Day coming up this weekend I thought it only fitting to pay homage to the strongest woman I've ever known. My mom.

From as far back as I can remember, the one person I could always count on to be in my corner no matter what life threw at me was my mom Jan.

My earliest memories growing up were not very happy ones. My mom and dad divorced when I was around 4 or 5 years old. I was a kid so I had no idea what that meant. All I knew was my dad didn't live with us anymore and I didn't know why. I remember my first day of kindergarten my mom dropping me off at school and not being sure if she was going to come back...what can I say, I was a scared little kid. But, at the end of the day there she was. It was then I knew I could count on this woman for the rest of my life and she hasn't let me down yet and something tells me...she never will.

My mom worked hard to raise my sister and I. She went without to make sure we were happy and had everything we needed. Don't get me wrong, my dad was still in the picture and did all he could to help my mom out but they both worked hard and sometimes we struggled to get by.

However, it was seeing my mom struggle day in and day out to provide for us that has really stuck in my head all these years later. My mom and dad have since re-married (other people) and both are happy and all turned out well.

Anyway, I can get long winded and could go on and on but I just want to say thank you mom. You've had more influence on me than you'll ever fathom. It's because of you that I work hard for what I want. It's because of you that I have a ferocious desire to not only help myself but help other people wherever I can. It's because of you that I've never done drugs, or been to prison. It's because of you that I'm a loving, devoted husband to my wife, pay my taxes, and do this crazy thing everyday called "being a responsible adult".

Through the good and the bad you've always been there to kiss my boo boos, put on a bandaid, offer words of encouragement, an ear to listen, offered incredible advice, cheered me on and helped pick me up off the ground and have the strength to push on at ALL ages of my life when things didn't go as planned.

And I know it hasn't always been easy raising a son like me. I'm a bit off the norm. I'm what you would call the proverbial black sheep of the family with my tattoos, hard rock music etc. But no matter what, you're always there supporting me and encouraging me to follow my heart and my dreams and for that I'm truly thankful. I'll never be able to repay you for everything you've done for me.

Happy Mother's Day Mama Fenix!! I love you!