As I was awaiting the arrival of my best friend (from California) to come visit me at school here in Arizona, I found myself frantically cleaning my room making certain it was spotless and perfect for when she would arrive. I paused mid-clean and thought to myself: "Oh my gosh, I'm turning into my mother..." But in this case, it wasn't a bad thing. In fact, it was the exact opposite.

Not only have I adopted my mother's last-minute-guests-are-coming cleaning habits, but have also found myself WANTING to adopt the other wonderful characteristics she possesses.

My mom has always been someone that I've looked up to, for many reasons. The way she loves my dad has shown me what true, unconditional commitment looks like. Her perseverance through trial has shown me what it truly means to lean on Christ as my ultimate source of comfort. The patience she possesses with my siblings and I has given me an outstanding example of what I want to be to my future children. The drive and focus she had all throughout nursing school on her journey to become and RN (with three young kids involved in all kinds of sports and school activities) taught me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to...And her ability to let out her loud, contagious laugh, despite what life throws her way, has taught me to never sweat the small stuff.

Last but not least, my favorite thing about my mom: She's taught me that it is possible to simultaneously be a great mother and a best friend.

Like any good mom, she was never afraid to discipline me and my brothers when we had done something wrong, but she always made sure we knew how much we were loved in the midst of our wrong doing. My appreciation for the way she balanced being our mother and friend is unending. She made it easy to be open and honest without fearing judgment, always making sure I knew that she was there whenever I was ready to open up.

I understand that not many people have been blessed in the way that I have, and it has become more apparent as the years pass on just how immeasurably blessed I am to have such an amazing human being as my mother. The older I get, the more grateful I become.

The Internet defines mother as simply, "a female parent," but mine is obviously so much more than that to me. She's not only my parent, she's my friend, my confidant, my biggest cheerleader, my guidance counselor, my source of encouragement, and my person.

To those who have wonderful moms and don't tell them how much they appreciate them -- do it. A simple "thank you" can mean the world to a mom who has lost sleep, relationships, and her own social/personal life for your benefit.

And to my mom: Thank you. I don't tell you enough. I love you endlessly and am forever indebted to you for making "home" much more than just a place, but a feeling that warms my heart when in your presence.

C.S. Lewis says it best: "Homemaking is surely, in reality, the most important work in the world."