My mom is the best mom in the whole wide world and she shares that title with many other moms all over the world today. In my eyes, she has no competition and to many sons and daughters the world over they would feel that way about their own mothers. There are lots of reasons for this sentiment and they all come back to how much they love. It is a feeling that seeps right down to your very core and gives you the sustenance to make your way in life.
My mother just came for a visit. I had her for 13 glorious days. She no longer travels on her own, she no longer remembers from moment to moment, she isn't even sure who I am in relation to her anymore. I could tell you a story about "losing" the mom I knew to alzheimer's or I could tell you the real story about the wonderful woman my mother is right now. Our roles were reversed over the 13 days. I became the "parent", providing personal care to mom, but she retains the one thing that makes her the best mom in the whole wide world - her love that radiates into every corner of my soul.
In celebration of Mother's Day and in celebration of my mother Alda, here is some of what my mother has taught me over the years....
- Smile every chance you get.
- Laugh at yourself and laugh with others.
- Be interested in others. Listen to their stories.
- Be frugal and leave a small "footprint".
- Forgive easily.
- Own your quirks.
- Inform yourself.
- Read daily.
- Enjoy the sunrise, sunset, the moon, the clouds, the birds, the squirrels, the water, the boats, people walking by, children playing.....welcome joy in every moment.
- Stay connected to family.
- Reach out and give generously.
- See the potential for change even in the darkest moments.
- Dance, dance, dance and then dance some more....
- Help others get the spotlight.
- Worry with faith.
- LOVE like there is no tomorrow.
Thanks mom. I love you - you are the best mom in the whole wide world!