Sunday is Mother's Day, I always dread reading all the cards, trying to find one that shares the message of my heart and more. This year, I have decided to fore go the "perfect" card and share these stories of the mothers of my life, who have shaped and defined me as a mother.
I would not be a "warrior mother" without the influence of many amazing women. The most amazing of all, my mom. My mom is the kind of person everyone likes. She is kind, sweet and rarely says anything unkind about someone. She is quick to turn the other cheek and is my example of treating others the way you want to be treated. She anchored me in my faith, gave me room to grow into my own person and catches me when I fall. My mother never gave up, and she gave us all she had to give. I continue to be amazed at how she managed us all and how she continues to be full of quiet strength. I want to be like her when I grow up; less likely to be emotional, more likely to be a strong shield. She is my confidant, hero, role model and friend. If you know me and love me, you must know that my mother is of great character.
Though my mother has shaped the mother I have become, others have colored the canvas. My grandma, who grows weaker each time I see her, is another example of strong faith and value. She always had a way of making me feel important. My childhood was filled with colorful experiences with my her. She showed me the world and knew much about Gods creatures that filled it. Simple things made her happy. She grew up recycling long before the first Earth Day or Al Gore's global warming. If momma was the coffee, grandma was definitely the sugar and cream. She made difficult things a bit more bearable, and memories with her are colored with the giggles and awe of a younger me.
Now, through tear filled eyes. I remember my beloved Mimi; whom I never remember seeing drive a car (though I am told that she knew how). Mimi shaped much of my early childhood, a time of innocence and joy. Mimi knew that making triangle shaped white cheese toasties would make a day special. She would always make time to chat with me on the phone, and while I have little memory of what words filled those conversations, I know she was happy to sit and listen. Her legacy, I think, is resilience. The power to continue to see a better day is coming and to embrace the blessings of each day. These are so much a part of who I am, years ago I wouldn't have dreamed how I would need them.
My grandma Anders came into my life when I was a teen and whispered great words of wisdom: "go now and experience life while you are young with no responsibility". Grandma was an example of grace and joy. I will always be grateful for the love she gave me.
Aunt Judy who also found ways to make me feel loved and special. (And still does). Aunt Judy is the example of the aunt I am certain each of my sisters and I all aspire to be like for our nieces and nephews. My darling Aunt Kathy, whom I miss greatly and regret so much not telling more often when I could how much I loved her back. She always, always made me feel like I belonged to (and with) her. She would joke how much we were alike. Aunt Kathy showed me unconditional, unquestioning love. And Aunt Peg, how you demonstrated devotion inspired me. My aunt Peg has the grace of my grandma, and an amazing spirit that is an example of faith to me. Each of us is given a path to walk with God, and Aunt Peg is my example of keeping the faith; finding God in everyday life.
I would not be a "warrior mother" without the influence of many amazing women. The most amazing of all, my mom. My mom is the kind of person everyone likes. She is kind, sweet and rarely says anything unkind about someone. She is quick to turn the other cheek and is my example of treating others the way you want to be treated. She anchored me in my faith, gave me room to grow into my own person and catches me when I fall. My mother never gave up, and she gave us all she had to give. I continue to be amazed at how she managed us all and how she continues to be full of quiet strength. I want to be like her when I grow up; less likely to be emotional, more likely to be a strong shield. She is my confidant, hero, role model and friend. If you know me and love me, you must know that my mother is of great character.
Though my mother has shaped the mother I have become, others have colored the canvas. My grandma, who grows weaker each time I see her, is another example of strong faith and value. She always had a way of making me feel important. My childhood was filled with colorful experiences with my her. She showed me the world and knew much about Gods creatures that filled it. Simple things made her happy. She grew up recycling long before the first Earth Day or Al Gore's global warming. If momma was the coffee, grandma was definitely the sugar and cream. She made difficult things a bit more bearable, and memories with her are colored with the giggles and awe of a younger me.
Now, through tear filled eyes. I remember my beloved Mimi; whom I never remember seeing drive a car (though I am told that she knew how). Mimi shaped much of my early childhood, a time of innocence and joy. Mimi knew that making triangle shaped white cheese toasties would make a day special. She would always make time to chat with me on the phone, and while I have little memory of what words filled those conversations, I know she was happy to sit and listen. Her legacy, I think, is resilience. The power to continue to see a better day is coming and to embrace the blessings of each day. These are so much a part of who I am, years ago I wouldn't have dreamed how I would need them.
My grandma Anders came into my life when I was a teen and whispered great words of wisdom: "go now and experience life while you are young with no responsibility". Grandma was an example of grace and joy. I will always be grateful for the love she gave me.
Aunt Judy who also found ways to make me feel loved and special. (And still does). Aunt Judy is the example of the aunt I am certain each of my sisters and I all aspire to be like for our nieces and nephews. My darling Aunt Kathy, whom I miss greatly and regret so much not telling more often when I could how much I loved her back. She always, always made me feel like I belonged to (and with) her. She would joke how much we were alike. Aunt Kathy showed me unconditional, unquestioning love. And Aunt Peg, how you demonstrated devotion inspired me. My aunt Peg has the grace of my grandma, and an amazing spirit that is an example of faith to me. Each of us is given a path to walk with God, and Aunt Peg is my example of keeping the faith; finding God in everyday life.
My mother in law, Barb, who reminds me-without knowing-that someday, I will give trust a piece of my heart to another women. Being a mom to boys who will one day cleave unto another. I reflect often on what I hope for my sons and am grateful for the gift of your son.
One last momma, I couldn't leave out, Kathy. You were a role model for me in a way to this day, you probably do not understand. You renewed my faith in family at a time in my life when I wasn't convinced. You made me a part of your family and to this day I know I am loved. Thank you for modeling patience and love for me; for helping me appreciate "picking my battles". Thank you for choosing to include me in your life.
From each of these, I form the "warrior mother" me, striving to treat others kindly, to be resilient and taking time to appreciate the small things. A mother who tries to make my conversations count, who knows when not to sweat the small things. I try to find the ordinary miracles of the day and work to share the love and faith that makes this time on earth mean more. As this Mother's Day approaches, I am grateful for these examples and hopeful that each of them sees a piece of themselves in the mother I am today.
One last momma, I couldn't leave out, Kathy. You were a role model for me in a way to this day, you probably do not understand. You renewed my faith in family at a time in my life when I wasn't convinced. You made me a part of your family and to this day I know I am loved. Thank you for modeling patience and love for me; for helping me appreciate "picking my battles". Thank you for choosing to include me in your life.
From each of these, I form the "warrior mother" me, striving to treat others kindly, to be resilient and taking time to appreciate the small things. A mother who tries to make my conversations count, who knows when not to sweat the small things. I try to find the ordinary miracles of the day and work to share the love and faith that makes this time on earth mean more. As this Mother's Day approaches, I am grateful for these examples and hopeful that each of them sees a piece of themselves in the mother I am today.
