Maggie is asleep on the couch right now taking a well deserved nap. She has no idea I have taken control of her blog right now, but I wanted this to be a surprise for her.
When Maggie and I were first dating I remember people used to ask her what she did for a living. She would tell them that she was a teacher and they would immediately say, “So what grade do you teach? I bet Kindergarten.” She would laugh and respond, “Oh, no…I couldn’t ever teach little ones, I teach high school.”
It is quite funny because for whatever reason, she looks like a kindergarten teacher. She has a warm smile, she’s kind, simply stated: she looks the part. But Mag is no kindergarten teacher. She is blunt, sarcastic, even stubborn. I am aware the last sentence sounds like criticism, but you need to know these are some of her best qualities. And what’s best is she knows she is not meant to be a kindergarten teacher. She appreciates teaching older students how to think critically and how to enjoy language and culture.
Being self-aware, Maggie always worried a bit about her personality and how it would blend with parenting in the future. She would say that she didn’t think she was very good at dealing with small children. In fact, she even slightly worried about what kind of mom she would be when she had children of her own. Despite my response to her that she was overacting, she believed in her heart she wasn’t the prototype mold of a sweet, nurturing, self-sacrificing mother.
Skip ahead several years and I have some interesting news to report. Ellie is here…so is Tessa, and Maggie is the prototype mold of a mother. She is kind, sweet, nurturing, self-sacrificing…and she was even able to keep her bluntness, sarcasm, and stubbornness. (Coincidentally Ellie has ten times the amount of bluntness, sarcasm, and stubbornness which has provided you readers with endless hours of blog entertainment as the years continue to pass.) I know it has taken me a long time to get to the point, but it is this. My wife is an amazing mother. She is the type of woman I hope my daughters are like when they are adults. She loves furiously, she guides and helps them understand right and wrong, and she advocates for them in a way that makes me in awe of her. This is not hyperbole, it is the truth. She is an amazing woman who deserves more than just one day to celebrate what she does for us.
So on this Mothers’ Day, I want to thank you, Maggie, for everything you do. And when it comes to your fears about motherhood way back when…you were wrong and I was right! Sorry…I couldn’t resist that little parting line. I love you Mag, you are amazing!
Also, Happy Mothers’ Day to my mother, who I love so much! You’re the best, Mom! Happy Mothers’ Day to Mom W…you raised a wonderful daughter and you have always been so kind, loving, and thoughtful toward me! Finally, to all the mothers out there, have a wonderful day…you deserve it!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Yo soy La Lay 
Wonderful. And you’re right; she DOES look like she teaches little ones…all…sweet and pleasant-looking and stuff. Happy (belated) Mother’s Day, Maggie! I hope it was grand.
This just made me cry. In a good way.