March 7, 2009

• Heritage.

  When I was growing up I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up.

  The older I get the more who and what I want to be is solidified.

  I want to be like my mom.

   

  My mom has the tenderest heart of anyone I know.  You know how some people just seem to have a knack for finding animals that have been hurt, wounded and abused?  My mom has that effect on people.  Whether it was watching children for a single mom or providing food for someone who didn't have any - loaning out our laundry room for people who didn't have the means to do their laundry....  She fielded  multiple phone calls from a neighbor who was schitzophrenic, reassuring her and making sure she stayed safe, and took care of her kids when she wasn't okay.  Besides her own passel of kids, our house was the place where all the neighbor kids came to hang out...infinitely patient, she loved on them too.

  

  My mom loves God.  She knows Him.  Hears Him.  Knows His heart.  Trusts Him.

  

  Being the mom of 10 children is not without its constant sacrifices.  My whole life I have watched her selflessly pour her time, energy and love into us.  And it shows.

   

  It has been fun watching my mom be a grandma.  She isn't the grandma that I anticipated her to be - different, but so good.  So much wisdom and love to share with her beloved grandbabies.

  

  My mom is an artist.  She sings, plays the guitar and paints the most amazing murals.  It is crazy to me that she found the time in the busyness of raising us to grow those skills.  She never had a formal lesson - just a passion for the things that she loves.

  

  My mom and dad have been married for 35 years.   My mom loves like I do - fiercely.  And my dad?  Yeah - he would be lost without my mom.  It works and is a beautiful thing.  There is safety and security in watching my parents love each other.

   

  My mom has faith and trust like I have never seen before.  It has not come easily or without cost, but it never ceases to amaze me.

  
  

  My mom had 8 of her 10 children at home...she now is a doula and helps other women with natural childbirth...she is the woman that people come to asking questions about home and natural childbirth, breastfeeding and all manner of other pregnancy/baby questions.

  

  One of the things that I love the most about my mom is her willingness to change herr thoughts or ideas about something if God speaks to her about it.  While she passionately believes in things and stands firm, she is NOT closeminded or un-loving.  She is capable of listening and adjusting - something that I am finding is rare the older I get.

  

  I have never doubted for a moment that my mom loves me and delights in me even when I don't do things the way that she would...

  I love you mom.  Happy 55th Birthday.

  • 1:06 am
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