Since I could not call my mother today, I wanted to send her a Hello where I knew she'd find it... In church today they asked us to recall and share a special memory about our mothers. I sat and thought for a while of what I could share; mostly because there are so many things I could have said, but I needed to keep it short. When it came to be my turn I said that I would just pick one and that my mother taught me Charity, she was always reminding me that those around me are children of God too, and how to empathize with others. She would always tell me to put myself in the other person's shoes and ask how I'd feel or how I'd react if it were me in his or her place.
My Darling Mother, I owe you everything good that I am. You taught me to cultivate my talents, and supported me in anything I wanted to learn or do. You believed I could do anything I wanted and encouraged me to grow and learn every skill I had an opportunity for. Mother, you taught me to step up when I was needed, and to go the extra mile to make a difference. You have taught me how to learn, and to love books and education. You showed me by example, and inspired teachings to have a strong character, to love God, and to have strong Faith. You are a huge advocate for that which is ethical and you are the most unselfish person I know. You taught me how to be selfless, and the joys of selfless service.
Mother, you always told me, "pretty is as pretty does," and I learned that it doesn't matter how beautiful or charismatic a person is if he/she has an ugly attitude. Another common phrase was, "sometimes we have to do things we don't want to," I took this to heart and learned self-discipline (something that I continue to work at and still hear your voice in my head.)
One of the most important things you have taught me is something you told me everyday as I headed out the door to school, "remember who you are!" I once asked what it meant and you told me I should always remember that I am a child of God and to act accordingly. As I have grown older it has come to mean so much more. "Remember who you are," now means to remember where I come from and what I was raised to be: I am a girl from a small town with good morals and character. I have wise parents who have taught me to be frugal and to value that which is most important in life rather than the material things. I have a great legacy of beautiful women in my family who have taught me how to care for my body and to have a wholesome appearance. I have come through a
linage of warm southern hospitality and
gracious generosity. I come down through a long line of good cooks and self
sufficient living. I've been taught to value good culture, literature, music and art, and I come from a family thick with talent. I've been taught to use common sense and logic and not just follow common opinions or fads. I've been taught to be a good example and to take resposibility seriously. I've been taught to be a good mother, wife, and a strong woman.
I love you Mother; you are still one of the most important and valued people in my life, and I hope to be just like you someday! You never cease to inspire me to be a better person, and to strengthen my resolve to do so! Thank you for taking the time to teach me about life and how to be a good person, and for all the sacrifices you made for my happiness and contentment. You are my hero. With Endless Love and Admiration, Your Youngest Daughter. XOXOXO
... And this is my trademark.
