MY MOM'S THE BEST MOM

She was there from your very first memory. She plans your birthday parties, but yells when you forget to put away the toys. She kisses the bruises and scrapes and fevered forehead, and makes them better. She stands up for you at school, but brooks no nonsense when it's time to do homework. She cuts out of meetings to see you play soccer, and tells you a joke after the game you lost. And while Dad says you look perfect no matter what, Mom gives it to you straight--including when you really are perfect. The relationship between a mother and child is as honest as it is loving as it is pragmatic as it is forever.