I've been thinking about my Mom a lot lately. And I was thinking about all the things that I have learned from her. All of which have influenced my life and what kind of mother I want to be.
One thing that I found to be amazing about my Mother was her patience. Whenever we did something wrong or when we messed up she would basically say "Ok, how can we fix this?" It's been a great lesson for me, sometimes the last thing that someone needs to hear when they made a mistake is that very thing. My Mother has amazing patience and understanding. An understanding that everyone learns, that sometimes you just need to talk.
Personal sacrifice. When you have children the concept of "it's no longer about you", is taken to a whole new level. I have seen the personal sacrifice of my Mother, helping with homework into the late hours of the night. Or giving of her time to take us here and there to better ourselves, to gain talents and pursue interests. I have a brother with a slight learning disability, but it's enough that it requires quite a bit of time and energy. I have always been amazed at how much my Mother gives to make his life less difficult.
Hugs. My Mom and I are quite close and there have been times where I've been hurt and don't want to talk about it but, I do want a hug.
Family time is important. I grew up in a family where we had dinner together every night. I think that there were times when I didn't want to have to leave my friends to go home for dinner. But, I look back in retrospect and think what would our family be like if we did not have dinner together every night. Thank goodness for home cooked meals.
An understanding that I need space. My Mom is very funny, not your typical Mom. She understands that I shouldn't be calling her everyday. That I need space to grow up, to develop relationships. And most important, I have learned from her that I will need to confide in my husband instead her, when that time comes.
All the medical remedies and diagnoses for sickness. I have been told time and time again that I am very motherly. I always have had roommates or friends that have come to me and said "Tina my head hurts." and sometimes it's "Tina, that boy broke my heart." I've learn how to comfort for physical hurt as well as emotional.
Education is required. I grew up in a house where education was always required. With parents that both have a Master's degree, just comes with the territory. I remember when I went to BYU my Mother told me, "Whatever you do, don't drop out of school if you get married." Well I guess her worries of that were in vain because that never happened. But, I am glad that education was pushed in my family.
Independence, is another characteristic. My mom is fiercely independent. Drives my Dad crazy sometimes. I have learned to push forward with life, no matter what comes. To be self-reliant, and to get things done. Which is probably why I'm usually not satisfied if someone else does it for me.
Little things: Dishsoap and dishwasher soap are not the same, musical appreciation, when you get a bad feeling about a situation trust yourself. Hugs are a remedy for a wide range of things. How to drive a manual car. 
I am so grateful for my Mother, someone who has amazing values, understands love and sacrifice. She has pushed me and helped me become the person I am today. Has always given me the benefit of the doubt, and has always been patient with me when I did not deserve it. Just finds the right things to say. Has been there through it all.
Thank you Mom, I love you.