Wednesday, March 13, 2013

My Momma, My Hero

Seven short years ago, I probably would have told you that I hoped to grow up to be exactly the opposite of my mother.  We didn't quite see eye to eye during my high school days, but I suppose that's a pretty normal mother/daughter relationship for that age.  

Now though, I've realized how incredible my mom truly is.  I've learned so much about her and seen so much more of her life outside of being "mom" in the past few years, that it amazes me that I didn't see it sooner.  My mom is my hero.  

This woman has overcome obstacles and difficulties I could not even imagine.  She's experienced betrayals and heartaches that no one should ever have to experience.  She's even kicked cancer's butt...twice.  She's been through hell, but never let it defeat her.

Despite everything, she has become the most amazing person.  She volunteers weekly at the food pantry and monthly at a homeless shelter.  She is an elementary school secretary (and we all know it takes a saint to do that job!).  She has a list of 30 names - adults and kids, friends and family, even friends of family - that she sends cards to monthly, just to let them know she's thinking about them.  She spends every bit of her spare change on charities and other things she believes in, like her kids.  She has been my loudest cheerleader, my toughest coach, and my most dependable teammate.  

I am so blessed to have someone I can look up to so much in my life at all, let alone as my mother.  It's hard to imagine those days when we disagreed on everything, because we have become so ridiculously similar.  Not a day goes by that I don't find myself laughing to myself thinking That's something my mother would have said.  

I only pray I can "grow up" to be half the woman she is - half of her strength, half of her optimism, half of her determinism.  If I can do that, I'll be just fine.

4 comments:

  1. Beautiful thoughts on just how special your mom is. I didn't really realize how special my mom is until I had children of my own. That experience sealed the deal!

    You're right, your mom is a saint for being a school secretary.

    Hope you continue to enjoy each other.

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  2. So beautiful. Make sure she knows how much you appreciate her because you never know when time will run out. I miss my mom so much. http://iheartpurplestuff.blogspot.com/2013/03/ten-years-ago-today.html

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  3. And yet she would probably shrug it off and say something like, "it's no big deal.' The most amazing, humble, miraculous people usually are like that - at the heart of it nice people, caring people, those who care about others above themselves. What a blessing for you to have this woman in your life. What a blessing for her to have a daughter who honours and respects her the way you do.

    It's hard to put into words that love we have for someone, you've done a wonderful job.

    Take Care -
    Nicole

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  4. This is such a touching tribute to the most important woman in your life. How wonderful.

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