It’s been over 50 years since my mom died. All I have are a handful of photographs. I don’t have audio recordings or home movies of her, unfortunately, so I don’t remember the sound of her voice anymore. But I do recall many of the things mom said to me – things that positively influenced my direction through life and shaped the man I’ve become. I’d like to share a few of them with you.
First she’d tell me, “It’ll be okay.” Life wasn’t easy for my mom, but somehow she always saw the glass as half-full. When I was scared, she’d reassure me. Even when she was dying, she tried to put me at ease by assuring me that I would be okay.
My mom would also ask, “Where’s your smile?” Despite a broken marriage and few resources, my mom was a happy person. She knew life could be difficult, but she encouraged me to count my blessings and see opportunities, not just problems.
When things did get tough, mom would empathize with me. She understood that being the youngest of five children wasn’t always easy. She acknowledged my struggles and made sure I knew that she saw what I was going through.
Most importantly, mom always told me, “I love you!” In the morning, at bedtime, and at all points in between, mom reminded me again and again that I mattered to her. Her love anchored me in something unshakeable, yet, kept me moving forward when things got tough.
Mom, I miss you.
What about you? How did your mom positively influence your life?
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