Here it is... the cliche mother's day blog. I feel like I should try to avoid being cliche but spending mother's day away from my mom... or any mom really... leaves me the opportunity to be cliche. :)
My mom...
... I have been blessed with a mom who loves me very much. Sometimes I think back to what our relationship must have been like when I was a kid and I struggle to remember. I know we connected around reading and school and were totally disconnected when it came to my wardrobe. I preferred sweatsuits and boy shoes while she had her heart set on me wearing matching "sister dresses" with my little sister. I know for sure our emotions are genetic... we both cry at the drop of a hat. When high school came around I felt like my dad was holding me back from real life and wished she would stand up to him. College came and we transitioned from this I never want to go home and visit to I couldn't wait to get home and visit. My parents took me in when I was unemployed... and welcomed me back as I was turning 23 with a master's degree and not sure where to go with my life. My mom insisted on coming down to play nurse when I had my wisdom teeth out at 25 and was right back here painting and doing yard work on numerous occasions after I bought my house. She hasn't always agreed with every decision I made, but she has supported me nevertheless.
Mrs. Clarissa...
... While I met Sarah Riley earlier, I really became friends with the Riley family during the summer of 1996. At some point Mrs. Clarissa realized I wasn't going away and has treated me like one of her own. I was honored to be a part of Kim, Laura and Sarah's weddings and Mrs. Clarissa included me with everything. For the past three summers I have been invited to their family vacation and they have filled the gap for me on numerous occasions. Whether it's shopping, rock band or learning to clean up like she does... I always feel loved.
Mrs. Diane...
... Once I made the varsity soccer team my sophomore year of high school I began to get to know Mrs. Diane Stinchcomb. She was the loud, obnoxious parent in the stands letting us know we were screwing up but always encouraging us after a good play too. During my junior year I became good friends with her daughter Erin and I felt like I spent more time at the Stinchcomb's than my own house. Whether it was providing a meal, providing an impromptu bed, or just offering an ear to listen, she was always there to fulfill my needs. I cannot remember a time when I was turned away or I felt unwanted. She understood me and I felt like a part of her family. Erin graduated a year ahead of me and I felt lost my senior year. In September of that year, Mrs. Diane was diagnosed with stomach cancer and I can't forget sitting in Erin's driveway while she was home for the weekend hearing the news. While Mrs. Diane dove into surgery and treatment she still found a way to come to my last soccer game and I could only hope she was on her way to recovery. Things went downhill in the spring and we had our final visit Memorial Day 2000 before she passed away July 12, 2000. Even though our time together wasn't nearly long enough, she impacted my life forever.
Aunt Sharon...
... I think when I was a kid I might have loved visiting my Aunt Sharon more to see my cousin Robin than anything else, but I'm grateful I've had the opportunity to spend more time with my aunt since then. I chose a college that happened to be in the same city as Robin and was fortunate to have my aunt visit me while she was in town to see my cousin during those three years. She was always willing to take me and any of my friends to dinner and it was always a night of laughter. I don't remember exact dates but sometime during my second year of college into that summer of 2002, Aunt Sharon was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her sister, Donna (also my mom's sister) has passed away from ovarian cancer in 1991 and I was scared. I remember sending her a card and going to the hospital just praying for healing. On October 8, 2002 my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and my siblings and I planned a surprise party for them on the 13th. I had a soccer game on the 12th so my aunt was visiting my cousin and I picked her up after the game and we started the journey home. The first issue we had was avoiding the sniper. It was a big deal at the time and we were trying to strategically time gas and restroom breaks around where the sniper was seen last. We finally reached the eastern shore of Maryland late Saturday night and could not find a hotel. There were boat races or something and we couldn't find a room. We were on the verge of ruining the surprise and knocking on my parents' door but instead ended up driving 30 minutes past my house to stay in this dump of a motel. My aunt was going through chemo at the time and rocking a sweet wig that she desperately wanted to take off to sleep but didn't want me to have to see. I'll never forget how vulnerable and yet beautiful she looked as a fighter... Less than a year later she was my sponsor at graduation and hooded me... a cancer survivor. Still to this day we laugh about how much our personalities are alike and I look forward to her visits south!
I would be an idiot to not mention my grandmothers. Unfortunately both have passed away... I hate that sometimes my memory of Mommom Wolf starts to fade but I remember loving her and loving spending time on their back porch. My Mommom Britt kept us all entertained to the very end. She gave some of the most endearing gifts (how can you go wrong with sunny delight and underwear) and truly was one of the best cooks!
I have dreams of becoming a mom myself one day and I am so grateful for all of my family, friends and friends' moms who are moms and teaching me how to be a mom. No matter how long you are a part of my life... the lessons last forever. So thank you Robin Autry, Jessi Bailes, Deborah Baker, Allison Brown, Becky Buck, Kimberly Busby, Patsy Cook, Marlo Coppage, Michelle Dewey, Sarah Dietz, Adrienne Dombrowsky, Terrie Farmer, Mary Beth Flaherty, DeeDee Jarman, Dianne Madoni, Barbara Matney, Kim McCullen, Stephanie McNinch, Jill Messer, Patty Moore, Nancy Quimby, Penny Quimby, Linda Randall, Rikki Rich, Mindy Sewell, Nedra Spry, Laura Takata, Teresa Yates...
I'm sure I forgot someone.. nearly 29 years of women teaching me things is a lot to remember... I have more and more friends popping out kids and I can't wait to learn from you as you embark on motherhood. Happy mother's day to everyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment