I guess it is about time. I am starting to appreciate my mother. I know every year, we all say it, and there is some pressure for us to find just the right card and acknowledge the holiday... I don't do well with pressure. Every May I do the same thing, become paralyzed, feel guilty, apologize for my lack of effort, wish her a Happy Mother's Day, exhale, and move on to start the roller coaster in June.
Mom, I'm sorry. You deserve more from me than a generic half-hearted effort. I will choose to get over the fact that I didn't invent this holiday and have no control over it - thus the pressure. Aren't I arrogant?
And, you love me anyway.
That's just it, we've had a lot of difficult conversations in my adult life, and you have never stopped loving me. I pushed you away for awhile so I could work out my stuff, and you waited patiently for me to come back.
There was a time for me to deal with things in my life that God allowed, in order to grow me. Now is a time for me to be "radically honest" about some of the things you did that were so right.
First of all, I have never heard you utter a negative word about anyone. Ever. Sighing a little frustration about an over-demanding boss doesn't count. You have never spoken down of anyone.
You have never pointed out my weaknesses. Boy, there is a lot that you could have said over the years, but you always give me the benefit of the doubt and let me talk, never squelching my sensitive spirit. You have told me that you think I'm a strong person. I have to tell you that you make me feel like a strong person.
I thought I had all the answers when I first had kids (again, so arrogant), but I'm realizing every year that goes by what a difficult job this is. Thanks for not giving up on us.
I have taken you for granted for a long time.. Again, I apologize, knowing that you will forgive me. :)
A co-worker last week mentioned how much she misses her mom, who has been gone for many years. I am thankful that I still have you. Thanks for being my mom.
I thank God that He gave you to me. I still cry when I read this; and it's been difficult to comment on. As a mom yourself, I know you are able to relate with the strong emotions that emerge from mom/daughter relationships. And as your daughters grow, you'll experience more of them - and look at us and understand things you didn't understand before. That's the way of life. I want to hold you all and protect you from the evils of the world; but I am not strong enough to do that. So I keep regiving you all to God - you are His daughters - and He has been so merciful to me as a mom. Thank you for being my 2nd born! I am truly blessed.
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