Today is my Mom's Birthday. You would think this would be an easy post to write about, but for so many reasons I find myself emotional thinking about her. She was diagnosed with breast cancer just over 2 years ago. After a long struggle, chemo, losing all her hair, not to mention having to go through 2 surgeries, words can not expres how thankful I am that she is alive today to celebrate her birthday. As I have thought about what I would share about her, I've decided to share some of the things I've learned from my Mom. I invite any of my siblings who read this blog, to add to the lists, using commentary.
Some of the things I've learned from my Mom...
*Make your bed first when you clean your room.
*It's better to be 30 minutes early than 5 minutes late.
*You don't need to beg a person to do something, if they say no, find someone else.
*She taught me how to be confident, or at least appear confident. Nobody needs to know if I'm nervous about something or not.
*Never say no when extended a calling, and do that calling the best way you can.
*My Mom taught me how to play the piano, sew a dress, and clean a bathroom.
*The only place to get married is in the temple.
*Vacuum the living room before you go to bed so you wake up to a clean space.
*She taught how us how to throw a party.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am very opinionated. Throughout the years, I have chosen (unwisely) to share my opinions with my mom when they weren't the kindest things I could have said to her. At times I have been hurtful and/or uncaring. In our family, open communication has not always been our strongest suit, so there have been times that I've felt that my relationship with my Mom was not as strong as it could or should be, to nobody's fault but my own. I live pretty far away and I have for 8+ years, but I've never lived as far away as we do now, in Kansas. I didn't call home very often because I knew I'd see her in a month or so. I find myself wishing she was closer, wanting her to show me how to do things that she's shown me 100 times, or just wishing we could go out for lunch.
Mom, on your birthday, (and on everyday) I want you know how much I love you! I'm thankful for all the things you have taught me both through instruction and by example. I wish we lived closer so we could visit more often. Thank you for all you've done for me and my family.
Beautiful post, Dedra! Totally got me choked up! BTW, congrats on your job, it sounds perfect! Also congrats to Kyle on his mission call--AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteDedra, it's great to hear that she is doing better. It was heartbreaking to hear about the diagnosis early on. I have wondered how she's been.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the spoon picture because it totally reminded me of your talent with spoons!! How cool that it was passed down!!!
In her recent pictures, it's evident that she still has that sparkle in her eyes.
That was a beautiful birthday wish. Very well said.