Today is Mother's Day and as I go through the day, I am reminded of all the valuable lessons you taught me.
No matter how many years have passed, your presence is with me every day and your lessons have made me the mother that I am. For all that you taught me, I am grateful.
Here's just a short list of what I am thankful for...
Thank you for putting up with my bizarre behavior when I tried on clothes in the dressing room at White's department store. I appreciate you searching for straight pins on the floor to pin the curtain closed so no one could see me trying on clothes.
Because of you, I learned to tolerate the little idiosyncrasies of my own children.
Thank you for not making me feel bad about the "D" I made in science on my report card in the fifth grade. I already felt bad enough. The teacher was right, I didn't like engines. And honestly, I was far more concerned with the bee that was buzzing around the classroom.
Because of you, I tried hard to take the pressure off of my children as they strived to make good grades.
Thank you for immediately calling the school when I told you the gym teacher had smacked me with a paddle because I didn't change into my gym suit fast enough.
Because of you, I had the courage to approach several teachers and a couple of principals in my day in support of my own children.
Thank you for teaching me that a look is worth a thousand words.
Because of you, I spared my voice while raising my children with that same simple stare.
Thank you for using the phrase, "This too shall pass."
Because of you, whenever I'm experiencing a difficult time, I repeat the phrase to myself and before I know it whatever I was worrying about has become a distant memory. I've used the phrase countless times when my own children have gone through trying times.
Thank you for reminding my sister as you taught her to drive that when stopped at the stop sign to simply wait and be patient because "there's always a place."
Because of you, I've repeated that line over and over again to myself and to my children. The reminder comes in handy especially when some jerk is waiting impatiently behind us.
Thank you for not making me go to the final swim class that summer. I appreciate you noticing something was wrong and asking me about it. I was embarrassed that I was afraid of the deep water and would have to sit on the side of the shallow end of the pool while all the other kids showed off their diving skills to their parents.
Because of you, I recognized when my children were bothered by something and allowed them to skip things that were unimportant.
Thank you for not making me do household things before I had to.
You were right. I've had "plenty of time" to do laundry, cook and clean the house.
Thank you for your lessons, your sayings and your amazing heart and spirit.
Happy Mother's Day to the mother who in just eleven years made a mark that has lasted my entire life time.
Like mother, like daughter. I sure hope so.
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| Air mail to my mom! |