I saw the perfect meme yesterday, to build a Sunday Short around. Today is Mother’s Day, and not only is the quote I found perfect for this special holiday, it contains my word for 2018.
The truth of those words resonated with me. Whatever our mothers’ stories were before our births, when we arrived new stories began. Think of it as a spin-off story. The original story is crucial to the development of the next one.
The mother remains a central character in her child’s story. Whether that mom leaves, willing or unwillingly, whether she is a super mom, a horrible mom, or somewhere in between, her story continues to affect her offspring.
I recognize that my mom’s life, her story, has had a huge impact on my journey. I am grateful that she has been a constant presence in my life, guiding me through early childhood, helping me navigate the turbulent teen years, and there to offer support and encouragement when I shifted into adulthood and became a mother myself.
We don’t always see things the same way. However, I do listen to what my mom has to say. Her years of experience, as a strong woman, as a single mom for a time, as a successful business woman, as a world traveler, as a storyteller and author, are incredibly valuable as I write the story of my own journey.
This afternoon I spent time with Mom. We chatted, and toured her backyard, looking at her plants and flowers. We discussed recipes and health and making tea from freshly picked herbs. So much of who I am has roots in who my mother is. I am grateful to be her daughter, her firstborn.
As our entwined stories continue, I look forward to more shared adventures, whether they take us to foreign countries together or deeper within our relationship or into unknown, unexplored terrain. I appreciate that my mother gave me life and figuratively penned my life story that began with the words, Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Cindy…
It’s been an interesting and beautiful story Mom…and I’ve already claimed my happily ever after. Let’s write more chapters in our stories, together.
