When I went into the card store to buy a card for my mom for Mother's Day, I found a card with one line that really encompassed how I felt. It was that simple line that gave me a lump in my throat - the one you get as you are either on the verge of tears or holding them back. It is not often a simple line can create so much emotion - in my advertising days, that's what you hoped a copywriter could deliver on the headline of an ad. It's not easy to do.The line was, "It was from you, I learned to be me."
My mom is an amazing woman and the following are some of the important things I have taken from her to become the person I am.
1) Have Faith: Right out of high school my mom decided to go into the convent to become a nun. She was there for 10 years before she decided to leave and start a family. From this, you may think I was brought up super religious and know all there is to know about Catholicism - but that wasn't and isn't the case at all. In fact, I am embarrassed to say that I dropped out of CCD before I could get Confirmed because I just didn't 'get it.' From her not pressuring me, she taught me that going though the motions isn't the same as the trusting reliance in the things that are not known. I probably learned more about having faith from the positive quotes she would leave up on the bathroom mirror than any class could offer.
2) Give of Yourself: When I think of my childhood - so many good memories flood my mind. I feel very lucky to have had the life I had. Much of this is due to my mom giving of herself and her time to allow me to have the experiences I had. From violin lessons, homework, eurythmics class, piano lessons, cheerleading, tennis lessons...and the list goes on and on. My mom would give up her time to help make me who I am. And I continue to see this pattern all over again with her grandchildren.
3) Put Your Heart into What you Do: My mom took a lot of pride in her career as a music teacher - inspiring young children to be musicians. Each year she would put on a Christmas program. She would work tirelessly with the kids practicing the music, and in the end, she would put on an amazing show for the parents and family. I got a chance to witness my mom in action and was brought to tears of joy with how she commanded the auditorium and created a beautiful show. It showed me how hard work and dedication can make all the difference in the outcome.
There are so many more ways I learned to be me from my mom, but these are my top three. I hope I can show my son as much love and teach him similar lessons as my mother did to help him become a good person.
Happy Mother's Day Mom! You rock!
