Sunday Inspiration: My Mom is My Inspiration

Today is Mother’s Day and as I started this week and realized that this day was coming I couldn’t help but think about how much my mom is my inspiration in life.

I was probably like most teenage girls who “hated” their mom. I felt like she kept me from doing so many things as a kid. There were a lot of rules in our house and I resented it. However, as I grew older I realized that my mom was alright. Granted, as I grew older she also changed a LOT! I feel like in the last 20 years or so we’ve both kind of grown up together, and as a result we’ve become really good friends. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that my mom is one of my best friends. I know that I can talk to her about anything, and I know she feels the same.

Looking back at my life I can “blame” her for so many things, and I mean that in a good way.

When I think about how I am like her now, I am thankful. I only wish I could be more like her, but at the same time I know I can’t.

My mom is probably the most giving person I’ve ever met. For as far back as I can remember I can only think of a few years where she wasn’t directly taking care of someone. First it was me and my brother. When I was old enough to take care of myself she began to take care of a family friend who needed daily care. After he passed she actually got to look after herself for a few years. I think it was during that time (and possibly a little before) that she really began to grow as a person and find out who she really was.

Then a little more than a decade ago she met my Dad. He’s an awesome guy, and he moved here from across the country to be with her. I’d never seen her so happy, nor so open to life. During that time my Grandmother’s health started going down hill and my mom was largely involved in caring for her and overseeing her nursing home care. If you ever have to have a family member in a nursing home I highly recommend that you or a family member take direct control of the situation and make sure that the highest level of care is given.

When nursing homes think that no one cares about a patient, they tend to care a lot less as well. Sadly, not long after she passed my Dad’s health started declining, so my mom is back to being a full-time caregiver. And, just this year she was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.

I say all of that to say that I “blame” my mom for my care towards others. I can’t put it to use in the way that she does, giving every fiber of my being to it. I’m just too selfish of a person for that.

I also blame my mom for my “talents”. She is an amazing artist, an amazing writer, and creator. When I was young I didn’t feel I had any talents. It’s funny to think that. I think I looked at her (and at my brother) and saw those talents and felt I could never compare, so I didn’t really try very hard. Looking back now I know they were always there.

I blame my mom for my drive. One thing she always .. well.. forced on me when I was a kid was that you don’t quit. If I wanted to stop doing an activity I’d been involved in I had to have another one to replace it with. That’s not saying that she was some mom that had me in dance, and sports, etc. I always had to be involved in some way that I was giving back. We were very involved in church and I was always involved directly in some program, whether the bus ministry, puppets (which I loved), or even choir (btw, I can’t sing). But, I learned a lot from that. I learned to persevere and to keep at things.

I blame my mom for following my heart. Growing up she always taught me that it doesn’t matter what others think. That I need to know I’m doing what’s right. That’s the path I follow. I listen to my heart, to my conscience. I need to know/ feel that I’m doing the right thing. I learned that from her and sometimes I think that may be the most important thing I learned from her. It wasn’t easy as a teenager, wanting to follow along with friends, but as an adult I know that it saved me from many wrong paths.

There are so many more things I’ve learned from my mom, I could list all day. When I was about 19 I made a list of 104 Reasons my mom is Awesome! I think she still has it. If I really put my mind to it I’m sure I could add 104 more reasons now that I’ve had another 20 years to learn from her.

To all the moms out there reading this. I know you struggle sometimes and you fight with your kids, but they know you love them. While they might not appreciate all that you do today, one day they will appreciate it and I hope they let you know. But, even if they don’t, just know that they really do love you and appreciate you even if they don’t say it. And, to my mom I’m saying it now I love you and I appreciate you more than you will ever know. Thank you for all you have done for me, for the stupid rules, for playing the role of both parents, for providing for us, and for being my best friend. I love you.