Friday, May 8, 2009

Mom

I remember thinking when I was a little girl that all the other moms must be just like mine. That she must be doing just what moms do. I wouldn't find out until later that my mom is unlike a lot of moms...she's special. And for some reason God blessed me with this woman as a mother. She's the reason I wanted to be a mom.

Sure, there were times when the job didn't look so fun, but I remember thinking how wonderful it's going to be when I'm a mom and I'm just like her. To be able to cook such fabulous meals (from memory!), to be the woman everyone wanted to plan their baby or wedding shower, who always had a crafty idea, who knew how to tie the perfect bow, who was a social butterfly and was never mean or rude to anyone, who was very involved in my kids' elementary school - always up there to plan the holiday parties or to simply read a story, to keep such a clean house all of the time, and to flirt and giggle with my husband like it was the day we met.

I know not a lot of 27-year-olds say this about their mom, but I want to be like her. I'm not there yet - there are a lot of things about my mom that I admire but that I don't know if I'll ever be. But, I can try! Even though roaming the church building after services and talking to people I may not know as well is outside of my comfort zone, my mom does it and she's great at making people feel special and loved. I want to have that ability. And someday, Lord willing, I will be an elder's wife, just like my mom. I will have children who are faithful to God and a family who is very, very close and love each other very much. If that's not a tribute to what great parents I have, I don't know what is.

My mom is such a great grandmother that it makes me want to cry. She loves her grandbabies so much - and already loves beyond measure the babies who aren't quite here yet. My mom has never been meddlesome in our lives the way some mothers tend to be - she doesn't cling to us needily or try to make our decisions for us. She has always told us to respect our husbands and she doesn't get involved in our marriages, although she loves each of her sons-in-law very much...that is evident. She's still very much our mother but in that she refused to be our friend when we were growing up, she's very much a friend now. I would say she's my best friend. I can always call her for advice or just to talk, and I always want her around.

So, on this Mother's Day, Mom I hope you have a wonderful day. Even though we can't be there, know that we absolutely love you and will never stop loving you. You're such a blessing to us.

And I have to say that I have the sweetest mother-in-law. There are so many married women who have nothing but bad things to say about their mother-in-law and there is so much hate in many daughter-in-law/mother-in-law relationships. My mother-in-law is sweet, giving, kind, and I really can't imagine having anyone better. She and my father-in-law raised a son who is also sweet, giving, kind as well as a hard worker with a love for God...I'm forever grateful for that! So, Mama B, thank you for being so loving and caring of me right from the start. Being your daughter-in-law has been a pleasure and I'm looking forward to many, many more years of learning from you. And I can't wait to see you as a grandma!
Both of my moms on D & my wedding day!

8 comments commented:

Jennifer Owens said...

Jamie - this was so sweet. Your mom sounds like one amazing lady and how blessed you are to have her as your mother! I love how you described her - that's the kind of woman and mom that I want to be too.

You are going to be one terrific momma to your little girl too. Happy 1st Mother's Day!

Unknown said...

what an increcibly sweet post about your mom :) she sounds like a fabulous woman!

Micah said...

How sweet! You girls and your mom are all so pretty. I just love that picture of all four of you. And your mom was so cute when she was a little girl :). Happy Mother's Day to you, too!

Mainly a midwife said...

That was a very nice tribute post to your mom (and mother-in-law). How wonderful that you have such great relationships with both of them!

Melissa M said...

Your mom is a role model for us all. I, too, hope to be a mom like her. You are right about the way she made others feel. She is an amazing woman and I'm honored to know her and have her for a friend. You are BLESSED!

Angi said...

Jamie,
This was such a sweet post about your mom. You inspired me to do a special post about my mom too! I love your mom, and your whole family and am blessed to know each of you! I know you are going to make a great mom and your daughter will love you as much as you love your mom! Happy Mother's Day!

forever folding laundry said...

What a lovely post! Your mom (and MIL) is lucky to have you...and vice versa!! And Happy Mother's Day!

~Keri

Diane said...

What beautiful words about your mom! And your mom-in-law. Your mother sounds ideal and I'm sure you are more like her than you realize.

Happy Belated Mother's day!