There's No Way I Can Pay You Back, But My Plan Is To Show You I Understand....You Are Appreciated.

So this posting is a few days late, but truly we should celebrate our mothers EVERY day (I have artfully mastered the skill of excusing my own tardiness).
As I sought a title for this entry, the only song about mothers I could think of was "Dear Mama" by Tupak Shakur. And while the majority of the lyrics don't really speak to my reality (e.g. "it was hell, huggin on my mama from a jail cell"), others really speak to the intrinsic and unbreakable bond that we feel with our mom ("and when it seems that I'm hopeless, you say the words that can get me back in focus").

There are these underlying truths between mother and child that are at the same time universal and unique. It is in the interpretation and application of these truths that we carve out our own beautiful relationships. God attaches mothers and their children with strings of love and understanding, and as we grow the strings are stretched taught, but that is when the most beautiful tones are drawn.

I am so blessed to have my mother's example set before me. It is the example of how to dedicate your life to bettering the world, one skinned knee at a time; it is the example of how to build and maintain a God-centered household; it is the example of knowing when to turn the other cheek, and when to slap back to protect your family; and it is the example of selfless love that stands in the background, supporting the people in the spotlight. But today, mommy, and always - my spotlight is on you. Everything that I am, you carved with your love, your lullabies, your made-up games and sweet nature. Everything wonderful that I do lives in you and with you. Every person that I touch in a meaningful way is a reflection of the care and love that you instilled in me. Thank you so much for your loving example.



I am also blessed with a beautiful mother-in-law, Helen, who has nurtured a wonderful family that I am proud to be part of. She has raised a son who is both strong and confident and gentle and sensitive. Everytime I see him tearing up at a sweet movie, tending to our puppies, or helping our neighbors I see Helen's generous spirit and thank God for her. Dominick's confidence, wisdom, and strong sense of morality is such a wonderful testament to the values that Helen raised her boys with.
Dominick tells me so many crossroad stories - stories that, to him, are anecdotes of his mischievious youth. But in between the laughs, I hear his mother's guiding hand, making sure he didn't travel too far down that road. It is inspiring to know the quiet strength that guided our lives, and still does in many ways. There is no way to thank someone for raising your husband; to acknowledge how someone's life work has enriched my life in a way that I could never imagine; the only appropriate display of generosity is the pledge to "pay it forward" in some way.

True appreciation is in the continuation of our family traditions, and in ensuring that our children and their children know the stories, lessons, and values that our parents taught to us. We must also be sure that our parents know our love and appreciation for them daily, not just on "Hallmark Holidays"....I think they do...

Happy (belated) Mothers' Day, to our mommies and to all mommies in our immediate and extended families!