Deep down I know I'm a good Mom. Way deep down, beneath the layers upon layers of doubt. Past the scar tissue of insecurities and the almost never ending sea of guilt when I stumble upon my heart. After I had children it no longer was beating for me, it was all for my boys. Every single beat.

I know I'm a good mom when I look in the review mirror at a tightly secured child in his car seat knowing I put him there.

I know I'm a good mom when walking outside I reach my arm down and extend my hand in a blind reach knowing it will be met with a tiny hand reaching up.

I know I'm a good mom when I know very well that a Happy Meal is not a real meal, but will make someone very happy.

I know I'm a good mom when my son is the only boy picking dandelions during a soccer game and I take a picture and post it on social media because I'm just as proud as if he had scored a goal.

I know I'm a good mom when I check on them long after they have fallen asleep one more time to make sure they are breathing.

I know I'm a good mom when my son crosses the street on his own.

I know I'm a good mom when my oldest says I have ruined his life and still kisses me goodnight.

I know I'm good mom when they come to my side of the bed in the middle of the night.

I know I'm a good mom when my child's laughter can cause me to smile even when it's not funny.

I know I'm a good mom when I get a babysitter and hit the town, but think that I would have rather stayed at home for movie night.

I know I'm a good mom when my child can wipe himself.

I know I'm a good mom when I feel like I'm not.

I know I'm a good mom when I wait for a child to put his shoes on when we are already late.

I know I'm a good mom when I step out of his way when I know he is going to make a mistake.

I know I'm a good mom because I will wipe his tears no matter what the cause.

I know I'm a good mom because I will keep telling myself this until I finally believe it.

If you are reading this. You are a good Mom. You care enough to support another woman who is just as protective, vulnerable and completely head over heals in love with her child. Whether that child is at home, has moved far away, or just spent a short time with you on this Earth.

You are a good mom because you know that when you dig deep down, your heart will always beat loudest for the ones who were once closest to it.