I’m not sure a 27-year old independent woman is supposed to admit this or not, but sometimes I just get fiercely homesick for my Mom. I just spent a few minutes searching for some photos to include in this blog post, and I found myself tearing up just looking at her. My mom is beautiful. And the love she radiates from the very center of her being shows up even through a camera lens.
Classic "Nana"
My mom is one of the most amazing individuals that I know. She loves me better than anyone else. Her belief in me makes me feel like I am capable of accomplishing anything. My mom has seven kids, and somehow she manages to affirm and uncover the uniqueness in each of us, and to make us all feel like we’re her favorite child (at the same time!). I know it’s hard on her to have several of us live so far away. But my parents have always pushed us to pursue our passions and our dreams. My mom has never asked me not to do something I felt I was called to do because of her concerns. My going to Africa was hard for her, but instead of trying to convince me that it was dangerous or risky, she modeled by example what faith looks like. She believes that God has a specific plan for my life, and she encourages me to chase after it. She places my safety in His hands and lets me go.
My mom has a completely genuine faith, and she inspires me to want the same. She prays. I am convinced there are a couple of things in my life that I might not have gotten through without her prayers for me. And she serves. There are so many things she does for other people that no one will ever know about and she will never be thanked or acknowledged for; but that’s not why she does them. She does them because she has a deep empathy and compassion in her heart for other people, combined with a innate ability to see needs that others might miss.
Christmas tree hunting
Moms (one my most often used nicknames for her) is genuine, friendly and kind. She’s definitely the person you want sitting next to on a long airplane flight. And she’s fun! She has a great sense of humor and likes to tease us and play jokes on us. She is fabulous with kids, especially her grandkids. I can’t wait for my kids to be loved by her.
Trying on funny hats!
My mom taught me about perseverance in running and was one of main reasons I was able to run my marathon last month. I honestly think I would have given up a few times if she hadn’t kept pushing me and celebrating every little step with me. Ever since I was little, I can remember my mom saying she wished she had the opportunity to pursue a masters degree. But then she got married, and had (lots of) kids, and it just never happened. When I was in college, though, my mom went back to school and got her masters. Her pursuit of that dream encouraged me when I was also considering grad school. And when I think I’m not going to make it because of how much I have to do and how little time I have to do it and lament my lack of sleep, my mom helps me to remember what is really important. She grounds me. And somehow concurrently helps me soar.
Mom's a Master!
There’s so much more. Like how she has taught me about selflessness in marriage, and about patience and humility. And how she’s taught me to cook and bake and organize. I could go on and on. But let me end by saying this:
Mom, you are everything to me. I couldn’t ask for anything more than you when it comes to a mother, or in a champion. Thank you for showing me love in a million different ways. I hope that I can be just like you.
Today, I am thankful for my mom.
