And to celebrate, I'd like to share some fun facts about her from my childhood.
- Though usually disguised as a well-mannered and reserved Pastor's wife, she has a wicked silly streak.
- Growing up, she was the prettiest mom in our church. And we went to a big church.
- She taught me to chair-dance at the dinner table, bopping my head around while staying in my seat.
- Earlier in my life, she showed me how to live a life of volunteering, rarely saying "No" to anything.
- Later in my life, she showed me that knowing how to say "No" is just as important as knowing how to say "Yes".
- She showed me how to take strong feelings and speak them in gentle words.
- She showed me how to wear bold colors. And tasteful makeup.
- She taught me about Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning, the wonder seasoning that works wonders.
- She taught me to make pie. I think I was 4...
- She showed me that even if you don't like being the center of attention, sometimes you just suck it up and speak in public.
- She showed me the importance of prayer. And Faith. And Hope. And Grace.
- She told me that emotions are just emotions. We can't control or change them. But actions, that's what we can control and change.
- She showed me that patience is a virtue. (Unfortunately, she never taught me the secret to being patient...)
- She showed me what living in a clean and organized house was like. (Never mind that I've forgotten...)
- She showed me that making something can be the best part about having something. (BestestHusband, the craft supplies in the spare bedroom are all her fault...)
- She told me that holding myself to my own values and goals was far better than living up to someone else's. Besides, my goals were harder anyway.
- She gave me space to let my imagination wander.
- She gave me time to learn to entertain myself.
- She taught me to play car games, looking for letters in highway signs and funny billboards. We went on a lot of car trips.
- She taught me to sing at any time. Make up a song, if needed.
- She encouraged my interests.
- She told me that "sometimes, you just need a good cry."
- She gave lots of hugs.
- She demonstrated what joy looks like.
Nowadays, she lives a time zone away. A long flight + a long drive, or a long flight + a long layover + a short flight away. It's much much too far. And I miss her.
Happy Mother's Day, Mum!
