I’ve been in a sappy mood lately. I’m not sure if it’s the stress I feel from the various things going on in my work and home life, or what, but the need for me to reminisce about the old days, or memories are what’s keeping me grounded. And a good cry now and then, never hurt anyone.

Friday was my mom’s birthday. I love my mom. She is a humongous help to me and my family as she watches my kids on Mondays and Fridays, which is an even bigger help on our wallets (as Mondays and Fridays are days you still have to pay for in daycare, even if it’s a holiday). Aside from being out main care giver on those days, she’s my best friend.

Growing up, my mom was always the “cool mom”. She was pretty hip with her fashion choices, was young and relatable and swore like a trucker! (that sounds bad, but I attribute my potty mouth to her. Sorry mom!) I may, at times, have been embarrassed by her candor, but it was that direct, take-me-as-I-am attitude that I have grown to admire. And, proudly, emulate. She was always on the PTA, and made things happen. She was home for us when we needed her, going back to work full time only when my brother and I were in school full time, but she was always available, no matter what.

She taught me to stand up for myself and for others, not to take any BS, and to fight for what I want. She also showed me what it was to have a good relationship, an awesome marriage, and how to be a great mom.

I think somewhere at about (read: EXACTLY) the moment my Little Bird was born, her strict parenting guidelines went out the window for the new I’m a cooler, mushball grandmother rule-book. And although I don’t recognize her sometimes, as she’s letting my kids eat popcicles for breakfast and cookies for dinner, I know in her head she’s not intentionally trying to upset me, but trying to enjoy every single, solitary moment of grandparenthood.

Regardless of how upset she makes me with the things she lets my kids get away with, and how little she used to let me and my brother get away with, she’s still herself. She is true and loving and giving and the best mom I could have ever asked for. And for that, I dedicate A Song for Mama by Boys II Men, to her on this Musical Monday.

(Footnote: I’m sorry for any tears I cause to be shed, two weeks in a row, by my Musical Monday selections. I hope to bust out of the sappy funk soon.)

by: Boys II Men

You taught me everything

And everything you’ve given me

I’ll always keep it inside

You’re the driving force in my life, yeah

There isn’t anything

Or anyone that I could be

And it just wouldn’t feel right

If I didn’t have you by my side

You were there for me to love and care for me

When skies were grey

Whenever I was down

You were always there to comfort me

And no one else can be what you have been to me

You will always be

You will always be the girl in my life for all times

Mama, mama you know I love you

Ooh you know I love you

Mama, mama you’re the queen of my heart

Your love is like

Tears from the stars (yes it is)

Mama, I just want you to know

Lovin’ you is like food to my soul

Yes it is, yes it is (ooh), yes it is, yes it is, yes it is

You’re always down for me

Have always been around for me even when I was bad

You showed me right from my wrong (yes you did)

And you took up for me

When everyone was downin’ me

You always did understand

You gave me strength to go on

There was so many times

Looking back when I was so afraid

And then you’d come to me

And say to me I could face anything

And no one else can do

What you have done for me

You’ll always be

You will always be the girl in my life (ooh)

Mama, mama you know I love you

Ooh you know I love you

Mama, mama you’re the queen of my heart

Your love is like

Tears from the stars (yes it is)

Mama, I just want you to know

Lovin’ you is like food to my soul

*Bridge*

Never gonna go a day without you

Fills me up just thinking about you

Could never go a day without my mama

Mama, mama you know I love you

Ooh you know I love you

Mama, mama you’re the queen of my heart

Your love is like

Tears from the stars

Mama, I just want you to know

Lovin’ you is like food to my soul

Ooh, yeah yeah You are the food to my soul

Yes you are, oh