There's nothing more wonderful than being a mother, and I try to remember that every day and give thanks. There's also no job more difficult than being a mother, and I don't think enough women are appreciated for everything they do for their children.
When my daughter was finally handed to me in the hospital after a very long and difficult labor, I remember the look on her face as we eyed each other. It was like, "So, this is you!" we said to each other. I studied her face, especially her eyes, and thought, "What a wise old soul you are!"
Over the years, with each passing stage of her childhood, I marveled at the growing individual who had once stared into my eyes as that unblinking newborn, and I tried to imagine what she would be like as a grown woman. The years went by much too quickly! People always tell you, "Enjoy your child now because the years will fly by and before you know it, she will be an adult," but you never believe it.
Those childhood years are long gone now, and my beautiful daughter, my best friend, is 35 years old.
Our years together have not been without the ups and downs that any relationship goes through, especially those teenage years, but now we've found our rhythm and know how to share our thoughts and dreams. We've grown comfortable with each other.
Unfortunately, I never felt that way about my own mother. She was always, as I remember, someone who pushed people away with her strange and unloving behavior. I vowed it would never be like that if I were lucky enough to have a daughter. I wanted desperately to be a mother and to show my child how much she was loved. I never wanted her to doubt her place in my heart.
As if by some miracle, that wish came true. Thank you, Jenn, for making me a mom, and thank you Mom, wherever you are, for inspiring me to be a better mother.
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4 comments:
First of all, I wanted to say that I've been reading your blog for quite a while and have gotten so much enjoyment out of it. Laughs, tears and tears of laughter. I've the desire to go to Japan one day, and have even started taking Japanese lessons. I love to read about the adventures of those who are there, and your blog touched me profoundly.
Secondly, Happy Mother's Day! It's 4:30AM here in Seattle and I look forward to spending the whole day with my momma and sister. They are my best friends, my soul mates, my smile and my heart. I can't imagine life without them, My mother has bore 3 children, 26, 20 - me, and 14. We are all beautiful, smart, talented and relatively healthy, she has fought to keep us protected and in this world that is hard to do.
As a daughter whose best friend is her mother, I can say for yours and of myself, that there is no greater gift than your love and kindness.
I'd like to share with you something I wrote for my mother last night, in her Mother's Day card that I made by hand.
There are a billion people who share your name
But to each of us that say it
We know that ours is the most special
We know that your name means love
No matter the language
That's the meaning of being a Mother
Finally, I hope you continue blogging when you get home, I love reading what you have to say. Have a great trip.
Hugs,
Amber
Amber, I was so touched by your kind words and Mother's Day wishes! Thank you so much for reading my blog.
It sounds like you, your mom and sister have an exceptional relationship with each other, and that's something to treasure! There are so many dysfunctional familes out there who would give anything to have what we have.
I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day with your best friends!
I'll probably continue writing, so drop in again when you have a chance. I'm sure the focus of my blog will change somewhat when I move back to the states, but I hope you'll come for a visit.
And, most of all, I hope you get a chance to experience Japan first hand some day. It has been an amazing journey--one that I'll never forget!
Oh dear oh dear, this was a 2-hanky entry! I can't thank you enough, Mom, for being my mom, even if I have to hear the story of my difficult birth at least twice a year, lol! I am so happy that you are my best friend too. Thank you for always always being there for me, and always being an inspriration to me. I am very lucky to have you for my Mom!!
Love and big, daughterly hugs, BB
PS: Can't wait to see you!!
No, no, BB. I insist! I'M the lucky one!
Kidding aside, let me just say that I'm eternally grateful that we found each other in this vast universe. Thank you for being my teacher, my muse, and my best friend!
Only 2 weeks and I'll be there! Can't wait to see you, too! Are you ready for some Mexican food?
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