Honoring My Mother

My mother is my best friend.  Of course she has a heads up on everyone else!  She’s known me the longest and we’ve been through the most together.

When I was three days old, she gave herself to me at a Salvation Army adoption center in Chicago, Illinois.  She chose me, she used to tell me, out of all of the other babies.  Because she knew she would love me best.  And she has.

Long recognized for her wit, poise and candor, my mother is wise and beautiful.  She is the bravest and strongest woman I will ever know.  In her battles and in her loving, she has always taken a “no prisoners” attitude, living her life with grace, compassion and a sense of humor.

Through the years we have argued and cried, giggled and shared secrets.  And the dearest moments I have with her are being entwined in her arms.  I cherish the touch of her hands on my face and hair, delicately stroking with her strong, soft hands.  “You are my dollie-pie,” she says, “and I love you.”

I don’t suppose I have been an easy daughter to raise.  Like her, I have a strong will, strong opinions and I often find myself belaboring an over-addressed point.  But like her, I have learned to laugh at my mistakes and pick up the various pieces necessary to move on a little wiser.

I have never been “conventional,” and in the midst of my self-discovery and sometimes rocky learning processes she has stood beside me, staunchly defending my decisions and proclaiming, “I raised you to be a good person.  And you are.”  She has never judged me, offering me instead, her strong embrace to which I know I can always return.  No matter where my road leads.

I honor you, Mom.  I cannot imagine my life without you in it.  I only hope someday I can give my daughter what you have given me.  That your examples of faith, strength, passion, commitment and wisdom can help me to bring her joy as you have brought me joy.

I hope someday that you can hold her in your arms and that we may expand our circle for another life to begin its journey within the beauty of your Light.

I love you more than I can ever explain in words alone. Thank you for choosing me.