With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I’ve decided to dedicate this post to…my Mom.

I didn’t always get along with my Mom growing up. She would drag me to her country line dancing classes (where I would sulk in the corner with my homework). I would make extravagant baked creations and then hide them from her so she wouldn’t eat them all. My brother and I would make fun of her Body Electric work out videos. And I would make a scene when I was forced to do something I didn’t want to do…whether it be wearing uncomfortable tights or practicing the piano.

But I always knew that my Mom worked hard. And I knew she worked hard to make my life better. To this day, my Mom still works two jobs, teaching middle school math and playing the organ at our church. She did all of this just to feed, clothe, and send my brother and me to school. She wanted us to have a good education and know our fractions. Breakfast even became a math lesson…I still remember her cutting up my waffle meticulously, one slice at a time, all the while explaining to me the difference between 1/4 of a waffle and 1/8 of a waffle…

But with time, I’ve come to realize that my Mom is awesome. And I’ll bet your Mom is awesome too. I mean that. I think all Moms are awesome. In spite of the millions of mistakes we make, the terrible things we say, and all of the ridiculous stunts we pull, our Moms still love us. They still want to fatten us up with a hot meal when we’re home, ask an infinite number of questions about our days, and be apart of our lives. Our Moms desire nothing but the absolute best for us.

I love my Mom. And I love microfinance. Somehow, I just can’t help but think that one of the reasons why I love microfinance is because it empowers hardworking Moms, just like my Mom…and just like yours.

So here’s to you Mom! Happy Mother’s Day.

PS: Mom, I hate to ruin the surprise…but you can guess what you’ll be getting this Mother’s Day!