Sorry Hallmark, We’re Saving Five Bucks
It’s been a crazy week with the birth of my son and my daughter’s musical theater performances. I’m also a major procrastinator so once again my mother won’t be receiving a Mother’s Day card or gift on time. Instead of letting it slide and rationalizing it as a b.s. Hallmark holiday, I stayed up a little late last night and wrote down a few thoughts. My mom is pretty amazing and deserves at least that.
Yesterday I spoke with my sister, Mary, and brothers, Mike and Steve, to get their thoughts and make this from all of us. My memory sucks thanks to football and fighting and I wanted to be thorough. Some of these things may sound like exaggerations, especially when taking into account what I look like and things I’ve done, but I swear it’s all true. There’s only so much a mother can do.
When people talk about my mother, the word nice is bound to pop up. Her kindness is never ending and without a doubt, she’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. None of us can remember her ever saying a mean thing about anyone. She searches for the best in people and loves her fellow man.
Growing up, we lived frugally, my parents sacrificing so much so all four of us could go to private school. Mom never complained about not having something. We were lucky to have what we did and she was always grateful. Money wasn’t important but spending time with family was: dinner at the kitchen table, card games, awesome birthday cakes.
Whether we were children or adults, Mom took an interest in what we were doing and always offered to help. And something we all appreciate and that says so much about Mom is her being respectful of our decisions, even when they go against what she holds holy.
Her courage facing breast cancer is something we all admire. What’s really great is her proactive stance, how much research she puts into a healthy lifestyle, passing on the info to us because she truly understands how damaging the wrong kind of food can be. At 69 she’s more active than I am, super consistent with her yoga and walking, a great role model for all of us.
It’s also been great to see her venture out of her comfort zone and try new things, especially later in life. Water-skiing, riding on a motorcycle, going snorkeling, traveling out the country.
More than anything, Mom is full of love. There’s never been a doubt in mind that her love wasn’t unconditional. No matter what we do or who we become, she’ll always be there for us. And we’ll always be there for her, thankful for who she is.
And did I mention she made some great cakes.
