Mom
I would like to think that my mom and I learn from each other. I teach my mom to be more open to her feelings, and she has taught me to be more patient. The latter is something I have to struggle with constantly, but which she can deal with so easily. I have a tendency to mull over disappointments, but she can easily let go. My mom would always tell me with conviction ‘Oh yeah? It will be ok. You’ll be fine.’ It works all the time - making me feel confident that my frustrations will pass.
As a thirty-something-single-mom, I must admit that most of the time I still view life in a very idealistic way, just like when a person in love wears rose-colored glasses. I knew life would be a tango that I don’t know the steps to, but I was more than willing to learn and have fun, as it would be revealed to me. It could be attributed to the fact that I grew up in a home wrapped by a solid, happy family life. But I was not naïve about the ugly realities in life. I know that promises can be broken, and the only constant is change, and my mom.
My mom has always been there in all the stages of my life. She has seen me struggle through all the heartbreaks I’ve had, shared many shopping and dining moments, and when I am treading unfamiliar territory. My relationship with my mom have grown and matured a lot over the years. It is no longer about just asking permission to go out or leave, but to say the least; it is now more about exchanging ideas on motherhood and planning on the next big family trip with the grandchildren and myself. Sure my mom still nags and we get into petty little fights about why I’m not dating, or why I am dating that guy, but she has a way of making me feel like a little girl after she does her ‘sermon’ or litany. It somehow transforms me back to when I was a rebelling teenager and you have this solid voice that suddenly is soothing when you’re much older. I am very grateful for that.
My mom has molded me to be me, and I am thankful for that. She has figured out that I will always be stubborn on the things I want to do and on love, that I on most occasion will decide based on gut feel, that I should learn to cook more recipes and that I always forget to call her back. But she allows me the freedom to move and bloom and pursue my interests, and encourages me to be the best that I can be.
It’s been seven years living a million miles away from her, and there has never been a day that I wasn’t grateful that she is my mom. We have grown much closer over the years and everyday I remember how much I love her. I can say that my relationship with my mom has been a safe haven where individual growth is nurtured. It is really cool.
I love you, Mom! Happy Mother’s Day!
