My mom; my hero

I just want to dedicate a post to my mom because this woman is beyond amazing.  She's turning 60 next month and still running up mountains, crawling through narrow spaces, and eating things that move.  As a former geography teacher, she confessed to me that she never thought she would in a million years visit the places she studied and taught about.  She is a travel junkie, always planning her next trip (which btw is Africa).  Her passionate curiosity for the world is contagious and I am so lucky and fortunate to have the opportunity to explore the world with her. 

My mom hates it when I talk about her publicly so let's keep this a secret from her.  We came to the states together to be with my father who was studying in Michigan.  Giving up her well-respected position as a college geography teacher, she started at the very bottom in America trying to make ends meet for our family.  My mom has been everything from a hotel housekeeper, to waitress, to assembly line worker, and babysitter.  She later got her degree in Computer Science and got a job at a major software company.   Just a few years ago, she decided she wanted her Masters in Computer Science for the hell of it. 

I often question our decision of coming to the States, having seen my parents go through hardships and discrimination.  But today, I have to say that they are living proof of the American dream.  As my mom claimed, she never dreamed she'd get to see half of the stuff she's seen.  

I salute my parents, and I high five my mother.  If I could be half the woman she is, I'd be happy.