HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY


"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all..'" - Proverbs 31:28-31

Today is Mother's Day and so instead of the post I had planned, I think I need to focus on Mom.

My mom was a teacher.  And as the daughter of a teacher (actually TWO teachers), I think I benefitted from some of the things that come naturally to teachers.  For example, my mom read to me all the time.  I can clearly remember her reading Wizard of Oz, Brer Rabbit stories, Lambkin Lambkin, Charlotte's Web and one about Bluebeard. She also taught spelling with word games like GHOST, and the nuances of the English language so that while I'm not as adept as she is - I'm no shlub.

Mom is also a wonderful cook, and she is creative..  Though we didn't have much money as I was growing up, that woman would take hamburger, rice and tomato sauce, and turn it into something she'd call "PORCUPINE BALLS" which (as an adult might have a slightly different connotation), as a kid was delighful because the little meatballs actually DID look like porcupines.  For one of my birthdays she made a cake in an upside down bowl, which once baked and righted, then was decorated beautifully to became a "dress" for a new Barbie Doll which had been wrapped in plastic and then shoved down into the middle.  

Mom sewed and knitted.  When I was little she smocked my dresses.  When I grew a little older she made a jumper with velcro pockets and detachable felt decorations that could be changed for each season.  And, when I was older still, Mom made my prom dresses - a green one when I was in 9th grade, and a white one with a big pink sash when I was in 12th.  And when Max was little he was always one of the best dressed babies with cute knitted hats and sweaters.

Mom taught me to love music, and theater.  She played piano and recorder and there isn't a day that goes by that her house is not filled with classical music.  And it was mom who lugged the small black and white TV into my bedroom on Maple Street so we could watch West Side Story together. Then, when it was over - mom shared my tears and reminded me it's okay to cry when we're sad.

Mom is strong - even now (weighing what is I am sure less than 100lbs.) at 85 years old she can hold a plank for 3 minutes.  But beyond physical strength, she is strong in character.  She and dad have been married for nearly 64 years and while it has not always been easy - they have shown me what "through good times and bad" means.

Right now I'm at a difficult point with Max.  He is young, and willful, and so very much wanting to be older that he doesn't listen to me as much as he once did.  He spends more time in his room or with his girlfriend, than he does engaging with me - that is hard for me.

I suspect there was a time like that too for my mom.  But letting your children grow up, and hopefully take the lessons you've given them, then live with the consequences of their decisions, is all part of the process.

Thanks Mom, for all you've done to make me the woman that I am.  Thank you for loving me through the awkward times, and for giving me space to grow.  You are a wonderful role model and I love you.  

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