Originally posted on Facebook HERE
Mother’s Day. Means something different to all of us, I guess – depending on your own relationship with your mom. Like anything else, some mothers are just naturally great at it and others not so much. I’ve always found it curious how we have traits that come directly from our parents, though. No matter what the relationship is like, your mother is a huge part of who and what you are. I lost my mom years ago, and once someone you love dies it gets harder and harder to remember exactly what they were like with every passing year. So, today I’m thinking not just about my mom, but all the moms I know, and their kids and grandkids, and the relationships between them all. When I think about my mom these days, I remember her as a really independent woman, super intelligent, great with numbers (I’m a financial advisor, my sister is an accountant), “quirky”… oh, man – don’t even get me started there… she loved to read (I read every day), and I always loved her sense of humor, too. And, as I write those words I’m realizing – wow. All of that could be said about me as well. And my sister. My sister is a lot more “quirky” than I am, of course (IMO), but I digress… even though we have different fathers, we both got all of that from our mom. I loved her. There were times I couldn’t stand her and I’m sure as a child I blurted out “I hate you!” every now and then, like kids sometimes do… but I loved her. So much emotion involved when you’re dealing with and thinking about your mom, you know? But who’s the first person you think of when life has you down? Mom. When you don’t know where to turn? Mom. When you’ve really messed up and think nobody could possibly love you because you’re such a terrible person? Mom. No matter what’s going on in her life, a mother will drop it all and give encouragement whenever a kid needs it in most cases. It’s what moms do. They also know all the stuff you don’t wanna hear and will say it to you anyway. Because moms want the best for their kids. It’s a very special relationship. I can’t even imagine what it’s like to have another human physically come out of your body. I’m quite ok with that never being an option for me. But once you’ve been through it, I have to believe that that little baby – well, you will do everything you can to keep it safe and give it the best life you can, at any expense. I realize not every mother is like that, but I see it every day with my own wife, who is an incredible mother and grandmother. I hope you have a great relationship with your mother. If you are a mother, I hope you have kids who love and respect you. And today let’s honor the mothers and grandmothers in our lives the best we can, because they deserve out love and attention every day. And on one day a year we can really let them know what they mean to us. My mother isn’t here to share the day with anymore, but she’s forever ingrained in my heart and being. So today I remember her with love, and continue to be the best person I can be every day, making a positive impact wherever I can. It’s what she would have wanted. If your mother is still alive, hug her extra hard today. Tell her how much she means to you. Do it now, because tomorrow is guaranteed to no one. And have a great day today. Happy Mother’s Day, everyone!
