Tuesday, October 27, 2009

More thoughts on being a mom... from MY mom...

Last week I shared an anonymous letter on "Being a Mother." My mom read it and felt that it was a little off the mark. And so I share her thoughts. And maybe its just because I am her daughter... but they made me cry.

Wonderfully said, but I thought this mother focused more on the fears of a mother, which is true, we do think of often. However, like childbirth, those negative thoughts disappear so fast, or we would not have a second child. Now as Alison’s mother, I look at her with so much pride, as the beautiful woman she has become, and can’t believe that she is a mother too.

I revel in all my memories of Alison as a busy baby, discovering how to put colored blocks inside each other at my suggestion, before she could even speak words. And, oh, those quiet times, I’d just hold her in my arms and stare at her. I saw the world through different eyes just walking down our country road while Alison discovered a frog or a dragonfly. We shared rainbows and streams, wearing boots. She became my best companion, as I was in awe of everything that she was learning.

And when she reached that age that I knew that she would learn more from her peers than from her parents, I stepped aside and followed her in her new adventures with her friends as her Girl Scout leader. Wow, what great times they had! And they did not know it, but it was the best ten years of my life! Crafts, camping (especially in the rain!), canoeing, pie making, visiting professionals who work during the night, bowling, fair parades, “bridging” on the Golden Gate Bridge, bartering in Tijuana, spending the night in a miniature golf course, make-up parties; I got to do it all with her.

And when it came time to let her go, and we packed her off for college… I knew it would be hard, but I also knew that she would become my best friend. And she is!

Oh, that you would be so blessed, to have a wonderful daughter as I do! I love you, Alison!
Mom

I love you too Mom, and I can say, the feeling is mutual - I am blessed to have an amazing and wonderful mother.

12 comments:

SwishDesigns said...

Beautiful. And I cried too.

Hazel said...

That is beautiful! And I now I know where you get your positive outlook and spirit from.

Brakes and Gas said...

I see where you get your way with words, Alison! I have chills all over... I am going to call my brownie leader/mom! Thank you for sharing!

CHarris said...

OMG - I just cried so much!!! In the daily grind I always try to remind myself to STOP and ENJOY the moment - and this is a good reminder of that. I'll try to not forget the rainbows!!! xoxo

Shelly C. said...

Totally cried too, Alison. Thank your mom for sharing those thoughts with all of us. It truly is a blessing to watch your child grow.

Zoe said...

What a wonderful letter. Mommy and daughter sharing rainbows and streams, wearing boots...sweet mental image.

janessa said...

I think your Mom said it best! And, it makes me so, so, so excited for the things to come with my little girl.

Taking Flight said...

What a beautiful tribute to motherhood. Optimism truly does dwarf fear. Alison, thanks for sharing this. :)

Mommy Moreno said...

wow - that was an awesome post. LOVED reading that & now I understand a bit more how you are the wonderful woman you are, Alison! I wish more moms with adult children would share their wisdom looking back in hindsight. Completely priceless.

Wendy said...

totally made me cry!

April said...

So incredibly touching...it is now very obvious where you got your beautiful spirit and mad Mama skillz. What a priceless letter.

Kelli said...

I love your mom. And no surprise that you are such an amazing mama too. Now I hafta go reapply my mascara.