You know those little things we do as mothers–the wiping of tears, the listening to the tragedies of the day, the hugs, the kisses, helping with homework, and being chauffeur–those things we do simply because it is part of being “mom?”  Those things do get noticed.

This morning I glanced at Hoob’s homework assignment sitting on the kitchen table.  The assignment must have been to write about someone they consider a “Silent Hero.”  Here is what was typed on Hoob’s paper:

Silent Hero

No, she is not a superhero; she is my mom.  She does not need a cape or a mask to represent heroism.  She is filled with more love, strength and guidance than anyone could ask for.  She is more than a mom, she is a mother.

Everyone loves their mom, and in return, they give love back.  My mother gives me more love than there are grains of sand in the ocean.  I can tell, just by the small and simple things.  When I was younger and would fall down, she would hear my yelp for help and leap to her feet and reach me faster than a speeding bullet, and use her magical motherly powers to kiss the pain away.  I know her love by the look on her face when she says it.

My mom is stronger than anyone out there.  Not physically (even though she has muscle), but by her life example.  Seven years ago my mom gathered all her kids like a mother duck and then told us in a shaky voice that mommy and daddy did not love each other any more and would be getting a divorce.  My mom does not know this, but later, I snuck into her room and retrieved her journal from her nightstand.  I read a line that said, “Nobody knows, but I sometimes cry myself to sleep.”  At the end was a sad face with tears spilling out of the left eye.  She has planted faith in herself and others by toughing it out.

Just a few weeks ago I wanted to try out for Dance Company at the high school.  It was difficult.  My super mom tried to find ways for me to do better.  It was just too hard and I decided to wait and try out next year.  She supported me in my decision.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher said, “A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.”  I have leaned on my mom for love, support, and guidance.  Thanks mom. 

I was touched by Hoob’s paper.  I haven’t felt that I’ve been doing anything extraordinary.  I’ve just been doing those things that all mothers do.  We may not realize it, but our kids do notice and appreciate the little things we do.  I can look back at the last few days and think of little things that have strengthened the mommy/child relationship:  Seeing Huh’s smile and hearing her laugh as she forced me to try a hot sauce on a sandwich that she wanted me to taste; Mack excitedly showing me some of the latest fashions in a magazine and asking her which ones would look good on me; Yawlin grinning after I reported that I’d finished reading a book he wanted me to read because he had liked it; and, yes, helping Hoob do what she needed to do in order to try out for Dance Company, and then reassuring her that it is okay if she decided to wait a year before trying out and telling her that I would support her in whatever decision she made.

Even the little things are noticed by step-kids.  Squid has thanked me for my weekly emails while he serves his mission; Shroom laughed when I pretended to be mad after he barged in and stole some of the cinnamon bears that the young women I teach at church were snacking on; and Juju likes to show me pictures on her camera phone.

It was a happy accident this morning to discover Hoob’s paper.  I guess the little things I am doing do matter.  What a nice thing to learn!