This week, I’ve been thinking about my Mom and the impact she’s had on my life. Being a list maker, I started jotting things down and the list kept growing and growing. I know I could add hundreds more items, but I’ll stop here. Mom, this Mother’s Day, here are some of the things I’m thankful for. Love you!
Me with Mom and Omi (grandma), 1968
- Giving me life
Holding my hand
Giving hugs–even when I deserved a spanking
Instilling your faith and love for God in me
The “time out” chair
Little notes written on the napkin in my lunch box
Icky chores
Showing me how to act in public
A can of mandarin oranges every year for my birthday
Teaching me manners
Taking me to Sunday School and Church
“The Look”
Showing me how to catch fireflies
Home perms and soup-bowl haircuts
Teaching me right from wrong
Popsicle stick art projects
Sparklers on the 4th of July
Forcing me outside to play
Plaster of Paris projects, embroidery, sewing
Strawberry picking
Taking me to the library and Bookmobile
Limits and curfews
Halloween costumes made from curtains
A love of surprises
Cooking and baking lessons
Visits to the nursing home
Mandatory piano lessons
Consequences
Inviting “alone” folks for holidays
Yard sale savvy
Taking care of the neighbors
Responsibility
Recycling–before it was called that
German food
Making holidays special
The courage to try new things
Always loving me
What do you remember most about growing up? What are you grateful to Mom for this Mother’s Day?
Love this list – and I related to so many. I didn’t know you were a piano player?! Also – I was just thinking of the home Toni permanents – and how bad they smelled – and how my new permed hairdo never looked like any of the photo examples… Happy Mother’s Day, friend!
I know; the more things I wrote down, the more I remembered. A piano player? Um, I took lessons. I’ve been thinking lately I’d like to re-learn how to play. I miss it. But oh yes, the Toni perms–and the tears that followed! They NEVER looked anything like the pictures on the box. Happy Mother’s Day to you, too, my friend!
There are many things my mother did that greatly impacted my life but I think the one I’d like to relate here is her love of books, particularly suspense books. I got my love of books from her and sometimes I wish she had lived long enough to have seen me become a suspense author. But maybe she knows anyway!!
Diane–I definitely think she KNOWS!! And is so very proud of you! Thanks for sharing your story–and Happy Mother’s Day!!!
Connie,
I’m thankful for my mom’s prayers. I’m 51 years old, and she still calls me once a week (if I don’t call her first) to ask what she can pray for.
Carol
What a fabulous tradition and wonderful legacy, Carol! Thanks for sharing that! Happy Mother’s Day!
I’m thankful to my Grandmother for taking me in and showing me love and laughter. She taught me that I was capable of great things.
What a great tribute, Sandra. Your grandmother sounds like an awesome lady!
Funny, modern magazines occasionally highlight their version of the ‘supermom’, but I never see traits like ‘the teaching of manners and responsibility, the look, alone people invites, and soup-bowl haircuts. Like yours, my mom possesses these traits, along with most of the others in your list.
I would add just one more. Taking the time to make me feel special.
Be sure to tell your wonderful ‘supermom’ Mac said she rocks!
Happy mother’s day.
Thanks, Mac! My Mom got a kick out of reading my list and the comments people left! We got to spend time together today, which was awesome. We laughed about how my brother and I hated strawberry picking–because afterwards came three DAYS of getting them washed, hulled, canned and frozen. Now we appreciate the memory. 🙂
Glad you have an awesome mom, too! Happy Mother’s Day!
My mom always read to us growing up, especially at bed time. Sometimes when I read to my own kids, I hear her voice in my own, lol I’m grateful that my Mom is still here with me to share in her grandkids. Great post!
I love that you can hear her voice in yours as you pass on that love of reading!! Glad with you, that she gets to love on her grandkids!!