My Mother

Doris (or Pat as everyone calls her) is my "Mom of Origin." She is a woman who I believe was born to be a mother. And a mother she is, having brought seven of us into the world. As the youngest of the brood, I was raised by the mother of all mothers! Nothing I did (or didn't do) fazed her...she's seen it all!

The result of all her experience was that I was raised very competently, yet casually. I was not rushed to the doctor unless my head was on fire. I have several scars that, well, maybe could have benefited from a stitch or two...but were carefully tended to by mom's capable hands. Besides, scars lend character, right?

Mom is a take-charge lady. She was clearly the parent in charge of the business of running the family. She paid the bills, bought the insurance, and picked out the new cars.

She handled the emotional crises with a steady strength. She could solve any problem, make sense of any puzzlement. Although she is reserved as opposed to outwardly emotional, I always knew she cared deeply.

Mom is creative and talented beyond belief. She can sew ANYTHING. She makes, alters and repairs clothing. She crochets and does embroidery. She cooks with competent ease. Because she tackled so much, she taught me that women are strong and capable and intelligent.

Although to me she was an "older mom" her energy would rival any mom of any age. There was always a project going as she kept our family moving forward.

Generous to a fault, it seems she needs to give of herself. It is how she demonstrates her love.

To say she is determined would be an understatement. Once she set her mind to something, she would move heaven and earth to see that it came to fruition.

Here is the perfect example of her graceful parenting style...

On my last day of fourth grade, Mom was going out to lunch with the ladies she worked with. She picked me up from our half day at school and told me, "I am so proud of how well you did this year, I'm taking you to lunch with us." Wow...I really didn't know that she'd taken notice. It was expected that I do well in school, and I did; but I didn't do it for a reward. I was excited and flattered beyond belief to be included in a Ladies' Day! It was as if she knew exactly how to motivate me...

One of her lasting lessons to me is the lesson of loving devotion she displayed as she cared for my dad those many years as he suffered from Parkinson's Disease. Her quiet strength as she watched her once rugged and robust husband waste away is nothing short of inspirational.

In recent years, arthritis has put this powerhouse of a lady on the bench when I know her heart is still in the game. She is 88 years old but her spirit is infinitely younger. Thankfully she is otherwise healthy and contentedly living with my brother in the paradise that is Colorado.

Mom, in every word and deed you gave for your family you showed us how much you loved and cherished us.

Thanks for the guidance, support and example throughout my life.

Thank you for being exactly the mother I needed to become the woman I am.