Moms - whether biological or adoptive mom, they are the one person that no matter what type of relationship (or lack of one) you have with her, you always have a deep connection. This past week I hosted five adults and a baby during Hurricane Matthew. Talk about an eye-opening experience. No shame, I was definitely "Mr. Mom" for several days.

Hosting a group of people can be a blast! However, it is also a TON of work. Food prepping, cooking, cleaning up after cooking, washing the dishes (hallelujah for a dishwasher machine!), laundry - clothes, laundry - towels, keeping the house tidy, taking care of the dog (all of this at least three times day) all I can say is, "WHOA."

Having experienced all of that the past 10 days, I am somewhat certain I have realized one-tenth of what Mom has done the last 22 years.

I don't now how you did it, Mom.

Not only were you young, educated, and running your own business - you were also raising four children, running a household, and still made sure we were up, showered, dressed, and ready for school Monday through Friday, and church of Sunday. And you did all of this for decades!

Not only dis you do all of this, you still made time to a super awesome aunt to the nieces and nephews. Make friends, travel, and have an enjoyable life.

Mom - Thank you, for everything.

Thank you for cooking meals.

Thank you for cleaning the house (and making us help you!).

Thank you for your endless laundry-doing.

Thank you for making sure we kept the house orderly and organized.

Thank you for ensuring we learned the importance of work ethic.

Thank you for emphasizing the value of education.

Thank you for the many sacrifices you made personally for the sake of us.

Thank you for loving us well.

While this brief reflection cannot by any means capture the thankfulness I have, nor repay you for your decades of love and labor, I do hope it lets you know that I love you. You are one of the most incredible woman I know.