Today is my mother's 84th birthday. She has spent 66 years mothering, grand mothering, and great-grand mothering. She has changed tens of thousands of diapers, cooked thousands of meals, kissed away innumerable tears, and said millions of prayers trying to keep her family safe.
She was married at 17, a mother at 18, a grandmother at 40, and a great-grandmother by the time she was 64. She now has 15 great-grandchildren and yet she still drives, still babysits, and still cooks birthday dinners for her large family.
She has spent her life devoted to others. But what about your needs, your wishes, your dreams? I asked her recently. Did you ever regret not going to college? Don't you regret the lack of freedom since you are always taking care of others? The last few months have been difficult. She's been fine, but she has spent many hours worrying about her other adult children who have gone through health and life crises of their own. I sometimes feel guilty because I am healthy, happy, and fortunate to have lived my dreams. I am free to travel, to write, and to indulge in my photography. I am also blessed with two sons who have found love and are enjoying successful careers.
I can't take away my mother's worries. I can only be grateful for the life that I have and to spare her from worrying about me.
Happy Birthday Mom. I admire your courage. You are an inspiration to all of us.
She was married at 17, a mother at 18, a grandmother at 40, and a great-grandmother by the time she was 64. She now has 15 great-grandchildren and yet she still drives, still babysits, and still cooks birthday dinners for her large family.
She has spent her life devoted to others. But what about your needs, your wishes, your dreams? I asked her recently. Did you ever regret not going to college? Don't you regret the lack of freedom since you are always taking care of others? The last few months have been difficult. She's been fine, but she has spent many hours worrying about her other adult children who have gone through health and life crises of their own. I sometimes feel guilty because I am healthy, happy, and fortunate to have lived my dreams. I am free to travel, to write, and to indulge in my photography. I am also blessed with two sons who have found love and are enjoying successful careers.
I can't take away my mother's worries. I can only be grateful for the life that I have and to spare her from worrying about me.
Happy Birthday Mom. I admire your courage. You are an inspiration to all of us.
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| Mom on her 80th birthday |
This year, as so many years in the past, I think you once more for sharing your fine children with me as a teacher, and especially for my surrogate daughter, Elaine. All best wishes for the years to come.
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