My Mom Through New Eyes

I am 40 years old; why did it take 30 years to love my mom like this?

Let me start by saying I absolutely adore my mother. 

She is the rock of our family and a relentless supporter to me, my brother and sister.

The first day I was ever on TV as a broadcast meteorologist she secretly drove hours and paid for a hotel room close to my TV station, just so she could watch my first weather update on TV. The weather update lasted 30 seconds. That encapsulates everything about my mother.

I will admit, there were a few years–or maybe many–that as a teenager I could have been a bit sweeter to my mom. When my daughters are acting up now, sometimes I will immediately text my mom and apologize for giving her the same grief so many years ago.

Having children has given me a whole new love for my mother. I see her differently now. I feel like I love my mom differently now. I understand her better and the challenges she faced as my parent. I can truly understand how deeply she loves me, as I do my children, and it makes me want to cry even saying it out loud.

On a 1 to 10 scale, I was always at a 10 with love for my mom. 

In recent years I feel like that scale tops 10 million now. I am so very thankful for her every day.

I know this probably all comes with age. It may have taken 30 years to love her like this, but I will appreciate every single second moving forward. I love you, Mom. ■

Written by: Erin Little

Meteorologist Erin Little starts your day off with a smile and the forecast each morning on KCTV5 News This Morning. With over a decade of experience forecasting the weather in Kansas City, she understands it’s not all about the weather, but how it will impact our busy lives. Erin is thrilled to be raising her three young children in her hometown of Lee’s Summit. You can find her Monday through Friday, 4:30 a. m. to 7:00 a.m. on KCTV5 News. Connect with Erin: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @erinkctv5.