Thanks Mom. I miss you every day but today, especially, I think back on all the times that I wish I had done more, or said more to you while I had the chance. It's one of those quirky tricks of time where you don't realize until you're older exactly how much certain things matter. You provided an environment for me, and all us young ones, to be kids. We biked, we camped, we played in the dirt; yeah we had chores because you taught us responsibility, but you never lost sight of letting us be kids. Some say back before the age of the internet and video games that it was easier for kids to be kids. Mom, I know you would have still pushed us out the door, wireless. You traded frayed nerves for us climbing too high in trees and riding our bikes too near neighborhood traffic. Most important, you made growing up a safe place for us to be weird. Not weird like wearing our underwear on our head in public weird, though you probably would have let us try it once to teach limits. But weird in the way where we were safe to find our own personalities. We explored paths that you could easily have told us were silly or meaningless. Your only requirement was to make sure whatever we came up with did not harm ourselves or others. Our personalities flourished under your watchful eye. "Nerd" and "geek" were not widely used terms back then and, when they were said, they did not have the social acceptance that they do today. Not only did you avoid labels, but you did not let any of us succumb to the limits that people who use them try to apply. So much of who I am today is solely because you let me grow unencumbered. There were hiccups, I know. Nobody is perfect, not even parents, and I know you made mistakes too; but I really can't think of any because they were stepping stones to growing up, not boulders impeding the path. Life threw in it's major challenges too. The loss of our sister when she was just a teen made it hard for you not to shelter us young ones still at home. But, as hard as it was, you still somehow let us out of your sight; you let us forge paths where you had no control because you had faith we would do our best. Bad things could always happen and that, you taught us, was also a part of life. I am doing the best with my daughter now, and trust me Mom, I have made my share of mistakes, but I'd never be able to get through any of this without you. So many times I wish I could seek out your counsel again. But I know it's for selfish reasons, to see your face and hear your voice; I already know that I have your wisdom and your love with me always.
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What an absolutely lovely portrayal of your mother. I am bummed I never got the chance to meet her, but am happy to know she had such an impact on you. I hope I have such an impact on my own sons. 🙂
It's hard to breath after reading that.
It's all there. All the love and loss. And much more.
Happy Mothers Day.
Very nice words +Scott Cramer!
Happy Mothers Day 🙂
A lovely and sweet view into your heart and head +Scott Cramer Your words would bring any mother (myself included) to tears and a heart that would swell with loving pride. A hug from me today?
Beautiful…. tear, the most incredible mom ever. Miss you gma.
that's beautiful +Scott Cramer. you truly were blessed.
Thank you all. I would have loved to share this environment with Mom. She would have been curious about all of this. She was not at all a techie, but she was not afraid to learn. She even used to reboot my BBS computer when I was not home. Of course, she also put a candle on top of the monitor one time and melted the top plastic. 🙂
+Jessica Stamets Hi, lurker! 🙂 Yes, Mom was a mom to more than just us sibs; you and nephew for sure. I just edited that. <3
Awww, you made my eyes leak. I know that anyone who raised such wonderful children must have been pretty amazing. Much love to you today and every day.
Moms are great. Especially a good reminder to cherish those still around.
Ooh this is so cute ^^
Hi +Caroline Evebetty, long time no see! Thanks for coming out of lurking! 🙂
lol yeah 🙂 I'm never far I told you 🙂 I'm just busy 🙂 my head and my heart are with you anyway, don't worry 🙂