May is a rather still month of Spring.

While April is packed with religious holidays for many practices of faith, May is rather devoid of holidays marking the boxes on our calendars.

There is Memorial Day at the end of the month, Armed Forces Day in the middle, and Cinco de Mayo to kick things off at the beginning of the month.

But while Memorial Day is revered, and Cinco de Mayo is partied, perhaps the most dear of May’s holidays is on May 8, Mother’s Day.

I think most girls, growing up, have an interesting (that’s the word we will use here..) relationship with their mothers; that is partially because we are so much like them - whether we want to be or not.

Growing up, I often butted heads with my mother simply because her stubbornness and fierce independence was passed down into me.

I come from a line of bossy, independent, powerful Scottish-French women - so really, my mom shouldn’t have been surprised when the newest generation came out just like the older generation.

Despite our head-butting through my teenaged years (and maybe a little later, if I’m being honest), I’ve since learned to give my mom a bit more grace - even when I disagree with her; I think she’s done the same for me, too.

My mom is a strong woman, but soft and gentle too. From her, I learned that strength doesn’t have to be cold.

My mom is dedicated to the point of stubbornness. From her, I learned that you must choose which things are worth your perseverance.

My mom is an open book - she says what is on her mind and doesn’t hide her life from others. From her, I learned that transparency in relationships is golden, and communication is important.

My mother taught me how to pot a plant, how to hold a fork, how to tie my shoes, and how to cook a meal. She taught me how to stand up for myself, and how to stand for myself.

She values a healthy life, and she balances work with relaxation. She taught me to thrift-shop before I mall-shop, and she taught me how to repair my own clothes.

Above all else…my mom taught me how to be an adult woman, how to hold my faith against my heart and on my sleeve at the same time, and how - maybe someday - to be a mom myself.

I am proud of the women I have in my ancestral tree - Scottish rebels, immigrants, seers, social climbers, and businesswomen - all mothers.

But above all else - I am proud of the mother who is mine.