Nearly everything I know about being a mom, I learned from my mother.
Before she was married, my mother was a nurse. She was working in Butler, PA when she was introduced to my father by his sister. I don’t know much about their courtship, but they were engaged within a few months and married shortly after. I know that she made her own wedding dress, and that photos from her wedding are a scarce few because they married in late November during a huge snowstorm and their photographer didn’t show up.
They lived in Butler for a few years, had my sister, and then 15 months later had me. When I was ten days old, they moved to Maryland. There in a strange city, far away from her loved ones, with a rambunctious toddler and a newborn, my mother set to the task of making Maryland her home. It wasn’t easy with my father working long hours, but somehow she managed, and my childhood is filled with many happy memories with her.
She went back to work doing night shifts at the hospital when I was still very little and did that for a few years. Then she set her career aside and joined my father at his wood finishing shop, and has been by his side ever since.
When we moved to a farmhouse out in the country, she planted a massive garden and set to canning her own vegetables. She was always industrious and hard working. She would sew and she would cook. When my sister started kindergarten, my mother began volunteering at the school and continued to quite a few years. She became treasurer of the PTA and became very active in the children’s ministry at the church we attended. She is the one that sat me down on the blue couch in our living room and led me to Christ.
When I started high school my parents decided to homeschool us- a decision I dreaded initially, but quickly embraced as it began to unfold. She formed a homeschool group of local kids so that we would have peers to hang out with, organized countless field trips and activities, and taught multiple science classes to our homeschool group.
She was my cheerleader when I applied for NYU and whenI was accepted, she took me up to New York for an admitted student orientation and helped me get my bearings. A few months later she helped me move into my apartment and I cried as she and my father drove away.
When 9/11 happened, she helped to keep me grounded. She did everything in her power to be there for me and when things got tough for me afterwards, she encouraged me. With her, I always felt safe.
When I got married she helped me pick out my gown, and helped me get dressed. And when my first child was born, she was one of the first people to hold her. And as each child was born she has come to stay with me, to help me adjust and heal and help take care of the baby so I could rest. As my children have gotten older, I see the excitement in their eyes as we talk about visiting her and I see the joy on her face when she first spots them when we arrive.
I learned from my mother that motherhood is selfless and beautiful and messy and bold. It isn’t easy. It isn’t always happy. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes you cry. Sometimes you smile. And hopefully you laugh a lot too.
So Happy Mothers Day, Mom! To the first person I ever loved. Thank you for all you ever did for me and all you continue to do. Thank you for the hugs and kisses, for letting me crawl into your bed when I didn’t feel good, for washing my hair as I laid on the counter, for teaching me how to drive, for the many ways you expressed your love. My life is more blessed because you are in it. I hope you enjoyed your special day. We love you so very, very much!
eatingwithsavages 