A lesson from my Mother

I often hear women speak about sounding more and more like their mother, looking more and more like their mother and becoming more like their mother. There’s usually a negative tone, a roll of the eyes and a dismal sigh. I always have an adverse reaction to their conversations because there’s truly no other person I would rather be more like than my own mother.

My gorgeous mother, 9 months pregnant with me

As I became a mother my admiration, adoration and respect for my mother grew (and continues to grow) exponentially. My mother is energetic, dynamic and her heart is full of love. She is also the most generous person I know. As I watch my mother play with my children, I struck by her attentiveness. I have learned to be the mother I am from my ever supportive role model.

My mother taught me a lesson many years ago that has stuck with me and I would say plays a significant role in the woman I grew up to be. People often say I am much like my mother and I could not think of a more flattering compliment. They often speak of the very quality of which I most humbled, grateful and honored to have in common with her. It all goes back to that day that would help mold and shape me forever.

Me, six years old

I was about 6 and my mother had called me into her room to ask me which doll, bunny, toy I don’t remember! I would like. One of the items was purple, and the other yellow. My favorite color was purple so I wanted to grab that one, but I also knew that my younger sister’s (by 3 years) favorite color was blue. There was no blue choice and I knew that my sister would be disappointed that I got my favorite and she would be stuck with the yellow leftover. I decided to pick the yellow, doing what I thought was expected of me. To my surprise, my mother quickly handed me the purple one, hugged me and told I could take the one she knew I really wanted because I was willing to be so generous to my sister.

My mother and I, me at 3 1/2

Years later, the details are fuzzy and insignificant but this small moment in time has had a lasting impression on me. I am so thankful that my mother taught me such a valuable lesson at such a young age, when people say I am so much like my mother, I nod, smile and give her all the credit she so rightfully deserves.

Happy Mother’s Day! xoxoxo