A Mother's Day Tribute

"But I don't want to grow any more," I sobbed, "I've grown enough and I just want a break from growing for a little while... I'm tired! I'm so tired!"

My mom sobbed too, as she held my trembling, thirteen-year old body. We had just learned that although doctors had tried to salvage my vision, over three months and various surgeries, they could do no more. I would be unsighted for the remainder of my life.

"I know, Honey," my mom said through her tears, "I would give anything to take this on for you. I'm here, I'll be right here. I promise."

The beautiful thing is, I knew, with every ounce of my being, that my Mom would truly have taken this on in my place. She was, and would be "there for me." Her strength, her compassion, and her utter belief in me has always emanated through her and I have gratefully - sometimes hungrily - absorbed every bit of it. I can honestly say, that I am who I am today because my incredible mom, and countless other beloved people, infused me with the knowledge that we don't walk alone. Yes, we have to take on our own challenges, but if we stay open and reciprocate the love of others, they will gift us with the very words, the helping hand or the shoulder to cry on that we need in times when our strength alone isn't enough.

Even in those terrible moments after I learned about my vision, I "knew" I would be alright. I knew I would be loved. I knew there would be, and I already felt it to my core, deep sorrow. I was also sure there would be a lot of work ahead and that I would have to make a new path for myself. But with my mom's arms around me, I had an overwhelming sense of power and possibility. Even through the sorrow I knew who I was, I knew who I was surround by and I was so grateful that I wouldn't have to do this alone.

As we move into a month in which we celebrate incredible women in our lives, I am struck by and reminded of the large number of women who have impacted my life. It's almost staggering when I think of my own mom, grandmothers (I have had the blessing of knowing my great-grandma and both my maternal and paternal grandmas), teachers, mentors, friends, aunts, cousins, role models, colleagues, and clients. I could go on and on but you get the picture. Every one of these women has taught me something new about how to live, love, create, give, or receive in order to bless or be blessed. I live in gratitude to each of them. Thank you, magnificent women!

Even if I've never had the joy of meeting you, dear reader, I live in gratitude to you! Thank you, magnificent woman, for touching the lives of so many. You can't begin to imagine the lives you've blessed so don't even try. Just know that by simply living and sharing your world with others, you change people's lives for the better. You could be the only kind word, gentle smile, or warm touch a person experiences today. Thank you for being a gift, for being you!

"When you learn, teach. When you get, give.
Maya Angelou taught me that."
- Oprah Winfrey

Action Item 1 (top priority):

First and foremost, let's identify the single most precious woman in our lives (mother, mentor, friend, etc.) and shower them with gratitude!

I'll get us started!

Linda Owings, my magnificent mom, do you know how much I appreciate you? I do hope so. And now numerous other people know too! You truly have been such an incredible gift to me. Thank you so much for modeling love, beauty, and kindness. Thank you for being my dearest girlfriend, my biggest champion, and truly the "wind beneath my wings."

Action item 2:

Throughout the month of May (and beyond), I challenge each of us to intentionally look around and acknowledge all those who have impacted our lives and those who currently offer us guidance, encouragement, support, and friendship. Let's make sure they know how much we love and appreciate them. Whenever possible, let's acknowledge them in public so that we get their beautiful cheeks blushing and remind others of the power of public praise.

Closure:

Will you grab your coffee, tea, water or whatever beverage is close at hand and join me in a Mother's Day toast?

Here's to magnificent women everywhere! To those we love, who love us and those we've yet to meet, to bless, and to be blessed by!

In love, gratitude and joy I leave you with this thought:

"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being
to do the impossible."
- Marion C. Garretty

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