As I delve into childhood memories searching for something interesting to write about, it occurs to me that the same person is present in nearly every single one of my remembrances: my mom. My mom – a tall, strikingly stunning fashion killer – displays utmost beauty on the outside, but it’s nothing compared to what’s on the inside. While her always polished nails and dedication to maintaining her hair have undoubtedly rubbed off onto me (sorry about that one, dad), her physical attributes only make who she really is shine even brighter. Having my mom as a stay-at-home mom, I was beyond privileged to have her there for it all: the sick days home from school, the hundreds of thousands of car rides to practices and games and lessons and tutors, the best parent volunteer for any and every activity I participated in, and so much more.

Not to mention, she did it all without complaint. When boys made my heart hurt, she was there as I cried to hug me and remind me that they’re assholes. When people spread hurtful rumors about me, she was at the front line of my defense. When my friends and I had disagreements, she was the first person I’d count on for advice. In addition to all of that, she even made it a point to take care of any little need I might have. If I ever needed someone to quiz me for a big test, she was the first to offer. If I ever needed fashion advice (or clothes to steal), my mom was the one person whose opinion I valued the most. Lastly, I certainly can’t forget to mention that I could always count on a cold rag and giant ice water on the mornings she knew cheap liquor got the best of me, even when she acted like she didn’t. My mom scarified more than I’ll truly ever be able to comprehend just to satisfy my sister and I. Without a doubt, she is the glue that holds our family together, maintains our happiness, and above all, looks out for our best interests. For this and for her, I am forever grateful for my undeniably hard working stay-at-home mom.

Growing up with a stay-at-home mom came at the expense of her sacrificing hours upon hours for not just my sister and I, but to neighbors, friends, or anyone else in need of some extra motherly TLC. In fact, it wasn’t just my sister and I who reaped the benefits of my mom’s extreme generosity. The neighbors, who also happened to be our best friends, became like adopted daughters to my mom. They were greeted with the same welcome at the bus stop, after school snack (which would also be appropriate to call a feast), or even rides to practices if their mom was still at work; let me just say, my mom without a doubt takes the crown of carpool queen. Given how much my mom has sacrificed for not only me but for anyone in need, it always pissed me off (and still does) when people say that being a stay-at-home mom isn’t a real job. No, my mom doesn’t have to punch a clock and put on a blazer every morning when she wakes up, but that doesn’t mean her job is always smooth sailing.

There’s so much more to being a stay-at-home mom then what meets the eye and in all honesty, it’s really not all it’s cracked up to be. My mom’s life on a daily basis doesn’t just include the stereotypes of shopping and pampering herself, and I laugh at the ignorance of people who actually believe that. Because my mom doesn’t have set work hours or a paying job, it’s her who becomes the full-time caretaker to any sick family member. My mom, my role model, spent the last months of my grandma’s life making sure that she was nothing less than comfortable and happy. During those months, there were days that my mom was gone by 6 in the morning and didn’t come home until it was dark outside, giving her entire day to her mom and whatever she might need to be satisfied. With the loss of my grandma has resulted in my grandpa’s loneliness, and it comes as no surprise that once again my mom has made him her top priority. While she continues to take care of her dad, she has also taken on the job as her mother-in-laws nurse/driver/personal assistant – and let me tell you, if you knew my dad’s mom, who is quite the spitfire, you’d understand just how tiring this job might be. A typical day in my mom’s life revolves around the needs of others, and she’s easily the most selfless woman I know. Each and every day she makes her rounds from numerous volunteer commitments, to doctors appointments with her dad, to errands with her mother-in-law, all while making sure my sister and I have everything we need and our household runs smoothly, and keep in mind that she’s not doing this in promise of a fat paycheck at the end of the week. So, to the people who judge my mom’s lifestyle and that of all hard working stay-at-home moms: if the woman wants to get a freaking manicure, I think she’s earned it.

As I’ve gone away to college and look back on everything my mom’s done for me, I come to realize that it’s not a punched clock or monetary compensation that make my mother the hardest working woman I know. No, it’s none of what outlines a typical woman in the workforce, but it’s beyond that. It’s her dedication to others, constant love, sincere consideration, and utmost support. Stay-at-home moms deserve more credit for the continually selfless things they do. Because I was lucky enough to constantly be surrounded by my mom, I live each day trying to act with half as kind of a heart and warm personality as she displayed to me. It’s because of her that I’ve grown into the person that I am. I’ve never felt more grateful for everything my mom, who is undoubtedly my hero, has done for me. I know I don’t say it enough, but I should - thank you, mom.