Which mother in your life are you celebrating today? It's hard to imagine anyone who has had better good fortune than me in this domain. Three home runs.
For almost the first twenty-eight years of my life, my mom was the person I knew would always be there for me, in every capacity. She was my coach, my confidant, and my biggest fan. Even when I let her down - which I did continually, especially as an adolescent - she didn't waver. Losing her in 1977 was the biggest loss of my life to that point.
From almost the day I met my life partner, one fantasy has consistently played out in my head. I wish I could have heard my mom and her laughing together. My mom had the greatest laugh I'd ever heard, until April of 1978. And after forty-eight years, it's difficult for me to single out one thing I most cherish about my life partner. But her laugh - the only clear rival I've ever had to mom's - is right up there. As is her unerring sense of how to be the best possible mother to our daughter.
My daughter is new to the role of mother. Is it too soon to say she'll be an equal to my mom or her own mother? I don't think it is. She had the best possible model, someone who unfailingly gave her unconditional love, the foundation to being a solid parent. From the day my grandson was born, I knew watching my daughter that she'd fully internalized that foundational message. I've seen nothing since - nor do I expect to - that would lead me to think that will ever change. My grandson's life is getting off to the same strong start as her own, and mine. Good mothers have that impact on their children's lives.
I hope you've been as fortunate as I've been. If you have, remember to acknowledge the mothers who have shaped you, or shaped your children, or are shaping future generations.
Thank you Pat for a lovely tribute to the Mom's in your life. I too was fortunate to have a Mom who gave me and my sister unconditional love. I had her longer in my life than you did - I was 42- but I would have loved for her to live long enough to experience her great-grandchildren. She loved children and would have been thrilled. And talk about role models! I could go on and on....Such warm memories.
ReplyDeleteInes; Thanks for the comment and nice feedback. My mom got to meet only one grandchild, my oldest niece (who you've met), born in 1975 almost exactly two years before mom died. I'm pleased for you that your mom was able to meet her grandchildren and also that she was with you until you were in your 40s. That's a gift.
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