Letter to Mom

Dear Mom,

I have started this piece of writing several times now. Each time, words can’t seem to express all I want to say to you this Mother’s Day. I tried a poem, several essay-style, and even a list. Throughout all of my attempts a common theme emerged as memories flooded my mind…my mother - strong, brave, and courageous.

Whether as I was getting kicked out of Sunday school, dating the bad boys, recuperating from an eye injury, running with a band, becoming a single mother, stating that Tony and I were going to be living apart, or any of the many other choices I made over the years, you stuck with me even when challenging me. I am sure there have been many times when it can’t have been easy being my mother.

What I remember are the times you were the epitome of a stay-at-home mother. My laundry was always clean and folded. (Sometimes still clean and folded when I left it in the laundry basket to be washed again rather than put it away.) The house was always clean and comfortable, a welcoming place for our friends to come and hang out. Meals were (and still are) absolutely delicious! I am still in awe of how you could make yummy meals out of government surplus food. I will never be the cook you are. Nor the seamstress. I always had the best dresses at any dance. No one could sew a Gunne Sax dress the way my mother could! You have always been there to nurse me as I heal whether from an illness or something more life-altering like surgery or childbirth.

Even though I may not have passed the lessons of being a perfect wife (you know, the cooking and cleaning part), you have taught me so much more. From you I have learned:

Bad things that happen in my past do no dictate who I have to be in the future.

It was not until I was in my teen years that I learned of the challenges you faced in your childhood. Instead of letting the events of your past turn you into a victim, you portrayed strength and became a survivor.

It is up to all of us to make the world a better place.

When I was in elementary school, I remember we did foster care. Later, you became a preacher’s wife. You always opened your home and your heart to those in need of it whether it be volunteering for  a hotline or providing rides.

A dinner plate should contain a variety of colors.

As stated earlier, cooking is not my thing. But when I do go for a nice meal, I am always sure to have many colors on my palate.

Live life strong, brave, and courageously.

I often hear you telling others to be strong, brave, and courageous. After hearing it for the last 47 years, it has taken hold. During the last ten years, my life has gone places I never imagined it would. Throughout financial difficulties, teaching in Africa, unemployment, separation from family, being the mom of a soldier, and the plethora of other challenges which I have been faced with, I always go back to those words.

Thank you, Mom, for being the woman you are. There is so much more to be said, but words escape me. Thank you for being instrumental in making me the woman I am today.

I love you!

Mandie