My first Listen to Life post on the topic of Mothers Day was 22 years ago. At that point, my mom had been gone for only nine years. What struck me then is how important a mother’s words can be in the moment, and later in life when they are reflected upon. The following was my post in 2004, and I find the message to be as true, if not more so, now than then. The ability to look over longer periods of time reveals wisdom and importance sometimes unseen in the moment.
Love you, mom.
Mothers Say
Listen to the things that mom says; she may be exposing more truth than you think. And I don’t mean, “Go ahead and go to the party. You’ll have fun,” though that might count, too. Listen to some of the simplest things and you may find some of the most profound. On this Mothers Day (and most other days of the year), I consider three things, in particular, that my mom said. Perhaps they will inspire memories of your mom’s words.
“There’s no reason to make you learn how to do something. You’ll learn when you’re ready, and when you are, nothing will stop you.”
I was late to learn how to ride a bike, jump rope and swim. I learned the latter just a few years ago. Whenever I’d be frustrated with my own pace or with peer insults, mom would share those words with me. Over time I began to understand and accept that that was my way, and I was still a good kid and loveable. No matter the venue, I’m still quite resistant to doing things other than at my own pace, in my own time, and in my own way. Instead of changing to the comments of others, which means you gain the life of a chameleon, stick to being who you are. Mom’s words have served me well, much to the irritation of some. What did your mom say?
“You’re my poet.”
And so I am. And mom accepted-celebrated me as such since I was knee high to a grasshopper. I am so as a writer, manager, friend, and all my other roles as a human being, and I have been so since conception. Quite frankly, I’m just now coming to more fully understand what this simple declaration means in terms of my moods, gifts, foibles, strengths, quests and more. I realize that since it is truly WHO I am, I need NOT be anything but that, and others can accept me or not. Who did your mom say you were?
“You’ll always be my baby boy.”
I was the surprise caboose of the family train. I would always be the last and the youngest—the baby. When mom was on her death bed, she whispered these words as I hugged her. My tears flowed. I had a place—always did and always would. No matter how old I was, I would always be mom’s and the youngest; I’d always be mom’s “baby boy.” A very special title indeed.
Our moms say many things—some so clear, true and loving that they carry through our lives and into the lives of our children because of how those words affected us. On this Mothers Day, consider what she has said and how much those words are part of your life. To listen does not mean to obey, but it can mean to learn…about life, love and our Selves.