Make A Difference Monday

Todays "Make a Difference Monday" is dedicated to my best friend, my Mama. If you have never met my mama, then you should go out of your way to do so. She is one of those people that you can connect with right away.

I was by far born into the most loving family. My heart aches for people who do not know what this kind of love is all about.

My mama was always the "team mom" for my brothers baseball teams. And she was always the "cool mom" that everyone wanted to go on fieldtrips with us when we were in school. In highschool my house was always the cool place to hang out because everyone loved my parents. My mama would always make brownies or cookies whenever anyone came over, even if it were unexpected. My mama never missed a "cheerleading game" of mine, and never missed a basbeball/football/soccer/basketball game of my brothers. She has always put me and andrew first, and work second.

I was very fortunate growing up to be able to go on trips. This picture is from when I went to NYC for the first time. Unfortunately, I hated NYC on this trip, but looking back, I love all the memories and pictures. Not every child is able to go on trips. I am so blessed that I have parents who think it is important to view different states, and also to important to get out and have fun somewhere besides home.

This picture was taken my freshman year of college. My Daddy did NOT want me to get a dog, but my mom was a huge advocate for it! Right after we got Chanel, My mom took me to the beach to celebrate, and also to just get away! Mama is the perfect person to go on a trip with. I joke with her and say she is the perfect person to lay out with because she knows when to talk and she knows when to be quiet :)

My Mama has been the biggest supporter of my Child Life career. In March she took me to Charleston to view the childrens hospital there. My resume was so crappy when I began applying for internships, that I just started crying and said I will just wait until I can make it look better. I remember my mom saying, "Mandy, you need to apply. You never know what God can do with a small resume". I am so glad that I listened to her that day, because look where I am now! My mama has also helped me out so much during this internship. In 2 days notice, she drove me to Augusta to have my interview. Never once did she complain about the price of gas or a hotel. She has helped me out with my activity plans for the patients, and sends me encouraging letters every single week.
My mama is a huge giver. She will do anything to make anyone happy. If I say to her, "Can we go to NYC this year" or "Lets go to the beach", or anything of that sort, she will do all the research she can to see if we can afford it and to see if she has time. I know I take that for granted sometimes (since I am not the one paying), but I love that about her. I hope I am able to do this kind of stuff with my daughter one day.

Mama,

Thank you so much for all you have done for me. I hope I am as good of a mama to my kids as you were/are to me and andrew. Thank you for supporting me and loving me no matter how many mistakes I have made and continue to make. Thank you for being forgiving. Thank you for being giving. Thank you for being a Godly woman. Thank you for being encouraging. Thank you for not being a "serious mom". Thank you for giving everything and more that I have ever needed. Thank you for moving me to Valdosta (two times), back home, and to Augusta. Thank you for calling me and texting me a million times throughout the day. Thank you for paying for me to go to a private christian school. Thank you for paying for me to go to college. I cant say thank you enough for all that you have done. I love you more than words can express!! I cannot wait to see you again!!

Love,

your spoiled rotten, ungrateful, little brat :)