Mom's Day Essay

Another blog I read is having a writing contest. It is Mom 2 Mom Connection. The contest ends at midnight TONIGHT. So, if you wish to participate, get those fingers typing. I have written a short essay about my mom below and am entering it. I'll let you read the essay, and then you will know just the tiniest bit about why I have the most wonderful mom.



When I think over my lifetime, the overwhelming sense I have of my mother is that of calmness. This may sound odd coming from me, the forth of nine children, but it is true. My mom is a thinker and has rarely responded purely emotionally to anything. Maybe, this is a requirement in order to be the successful parent of so many. Successful being the key word. You look at all of us, grown adults, and we are happy, healthy, good parents ourselves. Those are all marks of a mother's success.

Let me share a few examples of her calm, her patience, her love. When I was a little girl, I found elementary school to be a rather trying experience. I had a tender soul that was hurt very easily. So, when tormented and teased by the other children, I would break down into sobs rather quickly. The other children, seeing clearly my weakness, at times would capitalize on it. After especially trying days I would have trouble falling asleep. So, I would sneak out of my shared bedroom and curl up on to my mom's lap and cry and carry on until all the hurt was out of me. She would hold me and rock me and tell me what a special girl I was. She would offer suggestions on dealing with the teasing. She never tried to step in and take away my trials and she never fueled my pity me parties by going on and on about how cruel the other children were. She simply tried to help me feel important and to help me figure out how to handle it. I did this for years, ignoring my brother's remarks about how I was too old and too big to be such a baby.

I remember distinctly an afternoon when I was about eight years-old. My mom had to run some errands and she invited me along. After completing what had to be done, we stopped at Dairy Queen for sundaes. She made me promise not to tell my brothers and sisters as it wasn't fair to try to make them jealous. We sat there and ate our sundaes and talked. We talked about school and church and about my friends. I felt so important and so special to have that one on one time with my mom.

As a teenager I was given the opportunity to work with my mom. She was the supervisor but not the owner. I was hired because I could do the work and they only needed a couple of hours covered. Eventually, I became much better at the job and was given more hours. In all the time I worked with her, not once did I feel like I received special treatment from her. In fact, because of my lack of schooling, I think I was actually paid less than the other workers. In the end, I found respect from many and distaste from others. My mom was an example of calmness in work. She tried very hard to never get drawn into the drama of some of the workers' lives. She taught me how to be professional and trustworthy. I have been very grateful for this in every job I've had since.

She also taught me the value of thinking. She has had a successful career, at least my entire lifetime. However, eight years ago, she decided she needed something more. She returned to college and earned a Masters in Counseling. It was a difficult balancing act for her to work fulltime and go to school full time. On top of that, she didn't miss a single birthday visit for her children or her many grandchildren. She continued to make sure we all continued to know that we were and are her top priority. Now, she spends hours every week listening to other people's problems and helping them work through them. She does not judge, she listens, and teaches.

Now, I am the mother of young children. I still need my mother's calm reasoning every so often. I am blessed to live near her and in times of trial, I can escape into her hugs and attentions when needed. She has taught me how to teach my children they are each special individuals. I try to spend one on one time with each of them. I tell them constantly the little things they are doing well. My oldest has a very sensitive heart. I have spoken to her teachers and I always have a clear understanding of her school relationships. Even so, she still finds the need after a difficult day to sit beside me wrapped in my arms and cry and tell me everything that has happened. I am so grateful that my mom taught me the value in pausing and listening through such moments.

I am an important, special individual. If you don't believe me, just ask my mom.