It’s Mother’s Day and as thankful as I am to have my beautiful children to celebrate with, I can’t help but think about my own mother and all the things that she has taught me in life. Not only is she the prime example of what a mother and grandmother should be, she is compassionate, smart and loving. Even though growing up she may not have always agreed with the decisions I made she was always there to support me when I either failed miserably or blossomed. So with that, here are just a few of the things she taught me in life.
My mom taught me to be tough. Growing up with a mom for a nurse, an emergency room nurse in fact, put every little scrape and bruise into perspective. If you couldn’t see bone and your limb was still attached to your body then your injury was minimal. This fostered a sense of toughness in other areas of my life as well which has been a true blessing at times.
My mom taught me to pursue my goals. When I decided to go back to school for nursing at 26 with a 4 month old and an unsupportive partner my mom was there. She motivated me, pushed me and encouraged me to go after what I wanted which was becoming an RN. If it wasn’t for my mom, I probably would have not made it through nursing school and into the career I am in today. I even followed in her footsteps into emergency room nursing at the same hospital.
My mom taught me to be kind and empathetic. She also taught me to be those things when I really didn’t want to be. My mom is one of the kindest people I know and she instilled in me that it is always better to be kind to people even to the ones that may not deserve it because they are the ones that need it the most.
My mom taught me how to be patient. I hate waiting for things and when I get an idea in my head about something, like purchasing a new 44000 car, I tend to overlook the practical side of it and want to jump right in without fully thinking through my decision. Thankfully my mom is there to be the voice of reason. This also includes having patience with my children and other people that I interact with on a daily basis. When I become frustrated with my 6 year old who will continually not listen or when the baby screams for hours, her voice is in my ear telling me to take a deep breath and have patience.
My mom taught me no matter what hardship I faced; “this too, shall pass.” When I was lost early in my twenties with no direction in life and a serious anxiety disorder, my mom was there to reassure me that I would get through this period in my life and things would get better. When I struggled near the end of nursing school juggling a toddler and a full-time job she continued to remind me that there was a light at the end of the tunnel and to keep going. As I contemplated the thought of divorce and how it would effect my son, my mom was there supporting me in which ever decision I made, telling me that both myself and my son would be okay. Even now, when Avery screams for hours on end, my mom calmly reminds me that she won’t scream like this forever. Whatever hardship I have faced, she has always been there with her words of wisdom that this is but a fleeting moment and that things will get better.
Most importantly my mom taught me how to be a mom. When I was handed Hayden for the first time I wanted to cry. I had no idea what to do with a baby. I was unprepared and scared that I was now responsible to keep this innocent little person alive, Thankfully my mom was right there beside me to help guide the way. When I think about the type of mom I want to be to my children, I think about my own mother and all the wonderful qualities that she possesses. I only hope that one day my children will look up to me and be as proud of me as I am of my own mom.
There were many times growing up that I thought my mom was full of sh*t. It turns out she was almost always right, ok, she was always right. I’m so thankful for her today and everyday.
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and to all the moms out there.
Beautifully written. You mom sounds like she rocks! What a wonderful tribute for mother’s day!
It’s always inspiring to think how your own mother helped shape who you are. Then, you realize your own child will have their own stories about you when they grow up. It’s an amazing continuity and also terrifying, lol
What a great way to show love to your mom and to honor her through your blog. Love reading this!
Mom’s seriously are the best! I am so thankful for the very thing my mom has taught me! Great post!
There is nothing quite like the love of a mom! I loved reading this and thought fondly about my mom. Happy Mother’s Day!
That was an incredibly thoughtful post for your mother. I enjoyed reading how much she impacted your life.