A toast to mothers…

Here’s to you, moms…

Here’s to the moms who were up all night with sick babies, who kept rocking even when they felt like they might collapse from exhaustion.

Here’s to the moms who make meal after meal after meal…even when they know someone will complain about the “green stuff.”

Here’s to the moms who have survived potty training. Enough said.

Here’s to the moms who bring their kid’s backpack, or lunch, or homework, or whatever to school when said child forgot it–even after being reminded several times to pick it up.

Here’s to the moms who sometimes choose not to bail out their kids, realizing that the hard lessons are the ones we remember most.

Here’s to the moms who sit through soccer practices, baseball games, and dance recitals, always cheering…no matter the score.

Here’s to the moms who snuggle up at night and read stories, growing readers that will change the world with their big ideas.

Here’s to the moms who study up on the algebra they hated the first time around just so they can help with their kids’ homework.

Here’s to the moms who put down the laundry and play trains on the floor for a few minutes.

Here’s to the moms who managed to keep their cool when they discovered the kitchen floor covered in maple syrup from a little helper who tried to make breakfast alone.

Here’s to the moms who lost it and yelled when their kid put a hole in the wall…but apologized later.

Here’s to the moms whose shirts are smeared with peanut butter, spit up, and who-know-what-that-brown-spot-is…it’s better not to ask.

Here’s to the many moms who do it alone–for whatever reason–having to fill the roles of both mother and father.

Here’s to the moms whose children have grown up, who have to let their babies fly free and hope they’ve taught them well.

Here’s to the moms who don’t have children of their own, but who love deeply and mother the children around them as aunts, teachers, and friends.

Here’s to the moms who fall asleep at night worrying whether they are doing enough as they try to raise their crazy kids into responsible people.

Motherhood is wild and crazy. It’s messy and exhausting. It’s hilarious and heart-wrenching. It’s exasperating and amazing.

Here’s to all the moms doing their best. May you know today that your efforts are enough.