To the Mom With Cheerios on Her Back

I was with you, leaving your apartment. You had a one year old on your hip, and an almost 3 year old screaming and running around your legs. There was crumples of bread on the table, and Cheerios in your couch cushions. You were watching How to Train Your Dragon 2, for the 4th time in 12 hours. You had apologized no less than 15 times for all of that, I gladly accepted. You were getting ready to leave, and had magically managed to sling your purse on your shoulder while holding an infant in your arms and finishing a sentence. I saw this as magical and then I heard a noise. It was the sound of Cheerios falling against the wood floor; you had Cheerios stuck to your back. 

You had sat on the couch and fed your child her bottle, and your 3 year old had asked for a snack. I took him to the kitchen and negotiated Cheerios and Cheez-its like I had been doing it all my life. You looked at me and asked if you could go to the bathroom, and I realized then that you probably hadn't been in that room by yourself in almost 3 years.

Your 3 year old had gotten very excited and spilled his whole bowl of Cheerios down the back side of the sofa, and these little O shaped badges of courage had clung to your back. I quickly collected them in the palm of my hand and we laughed together. You are a beautiful mother. 

You think your youthful glow was lost long ago, and you let your insecurities get the best of you. You constantly put your parenthood down, but let me tell you what I see: In the previous weeks of spending time with you, I have watched you get thrown up on, but I have also watched you care for your children's safety. Sometimes we have to tell them it's not okay to stand on a window ledge or to touch the (boiling hot) French Press coffee maker. I have seen exactly how beautiful you are, inside and out, as you cared for me after I lost my father. I have seen your terrified looks of embarrassment as your 3 year old does his best impression of a pterodactyl. All the while me telling you that it's all okay and I'm not bothered by it. You are a wonderful person, both inside and out, don't ever forget that. 

You, the Cheerio decorated den-mother of parenthood. You, the role model I have always looked up to. You, my most favorite family member. You are a true blessing to those around you, you're just as beautiful as you always have been, and 31 may be a number, but you make it look effortless. 

I love you to the stars and back.