One of my favorite pictures of Mom & me… having a Killian’s in Branson, MO
A mom reads you like a book, and wherever she goes, people read you like a glowing book review. ~Robert Brault
***
We all need someone who believes in us – someone who sees our potential and who encourages us to keep on going when times get hard. Someone who reminds us of what is working in our life and that tomorrow will be better. Someone who points out all we have to be grateful for right now.
We need someone who cheers the loudest when we succeed and stays the closest when we’re hurting.
No matter how robust our self-confidence is, knowing that we are treasured is the magic elixir that gives us the ability to be our best.
In everything I’ve ever accomplished and all that I’ve ever experienced, I’ve had one tiny but mighty powerhouse behind me: my mother.
Thank you to my Mom who taught me the importance of a meal lovingly prepared, of make-believe play on stormy days, the joy of reading and the ability to laugh at myself.
Thank you to my Mom for driving me to piano lessons even though I could “hear” the music and didn’t bother learning to read notes; for sewing my skating costumes, helping me finish 4-H projects and listening to me practice my speeches.
Thank you to my Mom who put up with my petulance at 14, what I was sure was true love at 16, and impatience at 18.
Thank you to my Mom who taught me that a real man cries, loves children and animals and his wife, and shows up.
Thank you to my Mom who inspires me to challenge what I know for sure, to stretch my limits and to never underestimate what can be done.
Thank you to my Mom, who let me have sleepovers, talent shows, weenie roasts and birthday parties.
Thank you to my Mom for teaching me how to have a warm & inviting home; to cook, clean and entertain in a way that makes my family want to be home more than not.
Thank you to my Mom who taught me to not save my best manners for strangers and to, no matter what, stay up for kids coming in at night so there’s always an audience for their stories.
Thank you for my Mom who let me go; who, in spite of the miles that separate us, and the time between our face-to-face conversations, has never failed to rally behind me and say “You can do it, kid.”
Thank you, Mom, thank you.
The greatest gift I’ve ever received … is a Mother who is happy to be one.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.
*originally posted 5/6/2011
Want to read more about the 4’11” dynamo?
- I’m Gay
- What the daughter does
- At home
- Seeing the need
- Love is groceries
- I don’t like to leave her
- Intuitive Mothering
- Go to your baby a million times
