Chaotic Mom is holding a contest where she’s asked that participants blog about why they are thankful for moms. I chose to do my T13 about why I’m thankful for my mom.

1. She almost wasn’t my mom. On June 16, 1954 in a Charleston, SC hospital, my mom was born at only 25 weeks gestation. Weighing in at a mere 2 lbs. 14 oz. she was described by my grandmother as “the ugliest little thing [she] ever saw.” My mom spent the next 3 months in the hospital’s nursery trying to grow big and strong enough to go home. At a year old, my mom was just the size of a 3-4 month old and lacked the strength to sit unsupported. She didn’t walk until she was nearly 2 years old. Because she was born so early, my mom has some nervous issues: when she clenches one hand, the other one twitches in the same motion. We used to tease her about this because we love her. I’m thankful she’s around to be our mom.
2. She gave me life. Thirty years ago, my mom was in her second trimester of pregnancy carrying me. I was born March 16, 1977, 3 weeks after the doctor told her I was due. She was also surprised to see that I was a girl; the doctor told her that I was a boy due to the way she carried me and the rate of my heartbeat while in utero. I was her smallest baby at 6 lbs 13.5 oz. I’m thankful she gave me life.
3. I almost lost her the same day she gained me. My mom lost way too much blood while delivering me and had to receive 2 blood transfusions before she could go home. Remember, this was in 1977 before blood was screened as well as it is now. I could have lost her in more ways than one on the day I was born. I’m thankful I didn’t.
4. Seventeen months after I was born, my mom gave me a permanent playmate. My sister was born August 26, 1978 after the doctor threatened to induce my mom on the 30th. My sister was being stubborn and waited a couple of weeks past her due date. Ah, well. Everything turned out fine and I had someone to play with after a few months. I thank my mom for giving me a sister and a friend.
5. She gave me a love of reading. When I was just 3 years old, I was reading books written at the first grade level. I loved to read. At a year old, I had memorized more than one of my books and could “read” them back to my mom. This love of reading has stayed with me throughout my life, though I don’t always have the time to pick up a book and relax. I do love to curl up with a good book, though. I thank my mom for teaching me to respect books and to love reading.
6. She supported me no matter what I did. From the time I was in first grade and was called a liar by my teacher (this shouldn’t happen to any child) to the time I was a senior in high school and enlisting in the US Army my mom stood beside me. She may not have agreed with all my decisions–and was quick to tell me when she didn’t–but she supported me. I’m thankful she stood beside me and supported me.
7. She flew over 1000 miles to witness the birth of her first grandchild. I was in the Army and stationed in northern Maryland when William was born over 10 years ago. My mom told my dad that she needed to go–from Alabama–to the hospital to be with me. She flew into Harrisburg Airport and drove straight to the hospital with no directions and made it an hour before William was born. She was there to witness his birth and I’m thankful I had her there for that wonderful event.
8. I almost lost my mom to an accident. My mom had been horseback riding at a barn where all the horses were extremely hard headed and barn sour. When she tried to make the horse she was riding turn around away from the barn, she was bucked off and trampled. She walked away from the incident with a bruised sternum, a couple of cracked ribs, and a dislocated elbow. Physical therapy was necessary for her to regain the use of her arm after the swelling and bruising healed. She was lucky the horse didn’t crush her rib cage and her heart. I’m thankful she made it through this accident.
9. She was my strength when Tracey was born in 1999. I didn’t have my husband at the time with me–he was in GA doing basic training–and was worried that I would have to give birth to my second child with only the medical staff in the room. My mom made arrangements for William to stay with a friend so she could be there for me. We were both surprised to see a little big boy instead of a little girl! I’m thankful my mom made sure I didn’t go through childbirth alone.
10. She was at my wedding and hosted my reception. When I married Del in August 2001, William and Tracey were our only attendants. My mom was there to support us, as was the rest of my family, and she gave her blessing for our marriage. After the ceremony, my mom had planned an informal reception at her house. We had grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, and portabello caps as well as potato salad, deviled eggs, baked beans, and of course wedding cake. I’m thankful my mom gave her blessing and hosted our party.
11. The following year, she was there for yet another birth. Del and I had our first child together just a year after getting married. We had planned this so the spacing between the kids wouldn’t be too far. Even though she was leaving with my dad to go out of town for the weekend, my mom made sure she was at the hospital for Delbert’s birth. I’m thankful she spent the day with me before going on her trip.
12. Two years ago, she helped me tremendously with the boys. My last pregnancy was my hardest, and I ended up in the hospital 4 times in labor before I was allowed to have my little girl. Each time, my mom was there to take the boys home with her and watch them until we could pick them up. When I went to the hospital the 5th time at 4 am, she took the boys home while I labored and birthed my daughter. I wish she could have been there, but what she did for me was a great help. I’m thankful that she was able and willing to help out so that Del could be present for the birth of our daughter.
13. My mom is one of the strongest women I know. When her mother was terminally ill and unable to take care of herself any longer, my mom opened her house and her life to my grandmother. Because her siblings worked, my mom ended up taking care of my grandmother almost solely. I managed to get her to let me help, but my mom was reluctant. She wanted to be there for her mother. My mom hosted my grandmother and nursed her until my grandmother’s death in 2002. She was there when my grandmother left us. I’m thankful to have a mom who is so strong and caring.

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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