Caroline's Mom

In honor of Mother's Day coming up, each Batch team member will be writing about his or her mom. First up: Caroline Rossini, who oversees our wedding and corporate programs (as well as like a thousand other things). Enjoy.

When I was four years old, I wanted a pair of purple jellies more than anything in the world. I pined for them with every ounce of my teeny tiny being - those fabulous, sparkly, plastic sandals in my favorite color. Although it seemed truly impossible that I would ever have some of my own, my mother surprised me one day with my very own pair.

That year for Mother's Day in our pre-school class, when we were asked to draw a picture answering the question "I love my mother because..." the obvious answer was "...she bought me purple jellies." While my appreciation for shoes certainly has not diminished over the years, my love and appreciation for my mother has increased exponentially.

I love my mother because of her smile, her laughter, her joyful spirit. I love my mother because she always has a song in her heart. Because she can make the best of anything. Because when I fall she picks me up; when I cry she dries my tears.

I love my mother because of the deep friendships she has built and because of her dedication to those she loves. I love my mother because of the hours-long phone calls she has with her college roommate. I love my mother because of the supper group she and Dad have been a part of nearly as long as I've been alive.

I love my mother because of all the times she's tucked me in and wished me goodnight. I love my mother because she packed up my car and drove with me across the country after college. I love my mother because of the silly road trip games she invents.

I love my mother because she marvels at flowers and trees and birds and notices the beauty of the world around her. I love my mother because she is curious and adventurous and full of wonder. I love my mother because she is gracious and kind. Because she is thoughtful and compassionate and generous and strong.

I love my mother because she is my mother. (And because she bought me purple jellies.)