Amidst all the endless, repetitive chores of motherhood, it is important to remember that we are always teaching our children. We, as mothers, have the power to change the world through how we teach them! This applies to all women whether or not you have your own children. We all have the opportunity to mother. My wonderful mother just left this world to continue on her uncharted journey. As a tribute to her, I would like to share this letter I wrote to her for her 87th birthday. Love you, Mom!
WHAT I LEARNED FROM YOU, MY DEAR MOTHER by Deborah Pomazal
A mother is really many people all rolled into one. She is a caregiver, a nurse, a cook, a maid, a chauffeur, an accountant, a cheerleader, a therapist, an athlete, a mediator, an interior designer, a manager, a protector, a secretary …. The list goes on! However, there are many things that you may not know that you taught me. Here are just a few important things.
You taught me to be respectful and kind to others. You always lived by the ‘golden rule’ no matter who it was. You were kind to dad and showed him that by having kind words, putting on fresh clothes just before he got home and having a drink ready for him in the fridge. You were always kind to us children, too. I rarely remember you even raising your voice to me.
You taught me the importance of doing whatever needs to be done in a situation and doing it with dignity. You worked as a secretary when Dad needed your help financially. You struggled in a foreign country but you followed your husband and did whatever was necessary, including running for planes! Even in rough financial times, we as children never felt it because you always made things seem nice.
You taught me to look at the bright side of life. Every cloud has a silver lining. I think about the terrible tragedy of Nina dying and how strong you were. The silver lining in that situation is how close her children became to her during that time. There was healing in their relationships and that was such a blessing. Because of you, I look at that proverbial cup as being half full instead of half empty. I remember some of the long car rides across the country and hours spent on planes and in airports. They are good memories because you made it fun by singing and playing games.
You taught me to see the good in others. Everyone has some good in them and when I expect to see the good, I do see the good. Life is so much better that way.
You taught me to use good grammar. I am so grateful for this and have passed it on to my children.
You taught me to search for the love of God. My testimony of God really was solidified in that little Christian church in Vientiane, Laos when the Sunday school teacher gave me a card with Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” Thank you for dragging me there even though it was tough!
I love you, Mom. Happy Birthday!! August 2010