My mom isn’t on Facebook. It isn’t her thing. In fact, she repels technology; yet another facet of my fabulous Mommy. This past Sunday, on Mothers Days, Facebook was flooded with pictures of moms and kids. It was fantastic. Meeting/seeing my friends parents is one of my joys in life. Seeing the beautiful threads of genetics that weave their way through my friends faces or noticing traits that have been passed down to them… Uggh. I love it. It just reinforces my respect for the connections that bind us to each other, to our world, and to our place in time. And I want to thank all the moms of my friends for giving them to the world and to me. Because of their influence, they are also a part of my life. Part of the big old circle.
I also wanted to thank all of the women who aren’t my mom but have shaped me in immeasurable ways. My grandmama, my aunts, cousins, my mom’s friends, co-workers, dorm/Rome mothers… whether they were mothers themselves, they shaped me in the way that women care for women. Maternal feelings and instincts aren’t limited to mothers. I try and honor them everyday through my actions and by sharing their love with the world around me. Passing it on. Isn’t that what it is all about? What you pass on? Thank you to the moms who aren’t with us anymore. Your life and the hole in the hearts of those who loved you is a testament to your place and importance. My heart aches for those who are saddened by this holiday. It makes me all the more grateful for the gift that is my relationship with my mom.
As many a teenage daughter before me, there were times when I “hated” my mom. When you are struggling to define yourself and fighting the overwhelming hormonal maelstrom, it is hard to realize that your parents are actually people. That they used to be little kids. That they struggled being a teenager or had doubts and insecurities; or that they are complex individuals composed of amazing and conflicting emotions. That they aren’t perfect, but are doing the best that they can. The older I get, the more I appreciate my mom. I think that is how it is supposed to go. There are times where I can hear my mom in the words that I speak. Which scares me, but it is also wonderful. I am honored when people tell me how much I look like her. My mom is beautiful. But, she is truly a stunner on the inside.
My mom is one of my biggest champions. Heaven help you if you’ve wronged me or our family… my mom is a gladiator. When I am feeling sick or puny, along with chicken soup, I crave my mom. Mom snuggles and hugs are a panacea for many of life’s ills. She is funnier, smarter, and more talented than even she knows. One of her super powers is her ability to make everyone feel special… especially those who need it the most. She is kind. She saves animals. She is generous. She is a hard worker. She always strives to do the best she can. Which is all you can ever hope to do or be. All of these traits are things I hope to emulate- to share her light with the world.
These are the times when I hate living across the country. So, thank you Mothers Day for giving me the opportunity to say these things. Hopefully, someone will help my mom with the internet so she can see it. 🙂 I love you, mommy.
One Comment