Wisdom From My Greatest Teacher

Wisdom From My Greatest Teacher

Today is my mother’s birthday. She passed 7 years ago.

 

One quiet Saturday night at home I was thinking about my mother two years after she passed. I had this aching feeling of missing her and found myself talking to her out loud.

 

Mom, could you come back for just a second? I’m starting to forget who you were.

 

I remembered an email conversation we had and pulled it up.

 

Most of Mom dealing with cancer was a waiting game—waiting for news from recent tests that could take weeks, for the next chemo round, to hear if she was in remission, for an appointment with her oncologist who seemed to always be out of town on a fishing trip or a bicycle race or at his second home in Colorado—but she NEVER complained.

 

Mom, how do you do this? I asked her. Isn’t it hard to wait like this . . . in the unknown?

 

She responded quickly, That’s what we all do, Lynn, all the time. That’s what life is.

 

But, how can you be so patient?

 

That’s all we CAN do. We have no other choice—one step at a time.

 

Mom was determined to build her strength daily by walking rounds on Seven West’s floor at the Pink Palace, what she called the hospital painted pink on top of a hill overlooking our hometown of Tulsa.

 

She carted her chemo drip, smiling, saying hello to all the nurses, and handed out bags of candy. She courageously made the most of her time.

 

I’m inspired by you, Mom, I wrote to her among other things. You’re so brave.

 

After reading this, I found a file of mail she’d sent me over the years.

 

My mother had very unique penmanship. She crafted letters with her stunning handwriting. I can’t see it and not feel close to her.

 

She was there, speaking to me.

 

It was too hard in the past, but that Saturday night it was different. I wanted to read everything I’d kept, as if her words were wrapping around me.

 

I found cards from 20 years ago. She knew I suffered from depression then. The notes were her way of offering me loving reminders.

 

I thought in honor of my mother’s birthday, I might share with you some of the simple wisdom sent from my mother. From her through me, I wish you all my love and happiness.

 

Please remember as you go through life to take these special things with you— the knowledge that you’re capable, the faith to make your dreams real, the feeling that you’re truly a person of worth . . . And the assurance that you are loved and always will be!

 

All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. – Walt Disney.

 

If you think you can, you CAN. May this be the year you want it to be!

 

It sounds too simple— but— everything really is for the best. All will work out for you.

 

Take care of yourself. You’re special.

 

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all – Helen Keller

 

Want a good scare this Halloween? Sit down and make a list of things you do exactly like your mother. Boo!

 

Poof! All wishes do come true. Possibilities can be scary and exciting. Make the most of life’s joys and challenges. You can do it.

 

When in doubt listen quietly to yourself, Lovingly Mom.

 

Glad you are putting yourself out there and trying new things.

 

Every adventure will lead to another.

 

Make today special. Share a joke, hum a song, pass some special joy along. And if someone should come your way who doesn’t share your joy today . . . To hell with ‘em!

 

May we all remember and keep close the love of our mothers.