(photo taken and edited by me)

The one person who I can always count on to be loved by is my mother. Yes, I know it's supposed to be that way, mothers are ingrained to love their children.

But some of us make it more difficult than others. I've put my mother through the mill over the years, yet her love and support has never diminished. I've given her plenty of reason to give up on me, yet she never has.

I never truly understood the kind of love a parent has until I had my own two children. It scares the hell out of me to think they might put me through what I have put her through.

I went through some very dark times when I returned from active duty in Iraq. I pushed her away when she tried to help, but I always knew she meant the best and worried about me. And when I inevitably hit the bottom - she was there. I know I wouldn't have made it back out to daylight again without her unconditional love (tough love to be sure) and support.

So I just want to tell the world, MOM, that you mean the world to me and you're the one person I know will always have my back and be in my corner.

Love you!

Happy Mother's Day!