It is hard to believe that February 23rd is here again. It is even harder to believe that my mother passed away almost 25 years ago. Had my mother lived she would have been 67. Around this time of the year I imagine how she would interact with her family; especially her grandchildren who she never met. When I was a teenager I used to buy mom a present for her birthday. Looking back, I am fairly certain the gifts were fairly gaudy. Afterall, I was a teenager during the 1980s. In any case, my mom never let on. In fact, she always acted it as if it was the greatest gift ever. This meant a great deal to me as my mom could be someone who was very demanding.
As I reflect on this, I cannot help notice that I can be fairly demanding on my children. With this in mind, I remind myself to praise my children or their small and big accomplishments. For example, I recently told my oldest boy that his writing skills have significantly improved. His reaction was similar to my reaction when my mother praised me; he truly appreciated the compliment. As I reflect on these anecdotes, I am reminded how much we can learn through the eyes of others. For as long as I knew my mom she was always worked hard and was very busy. Yet through it all she always made time for her children. In fact, her children always came first. Similarly, the care and passion for her children she showed was undeniable as well as awe inspiring. At the same time, she set high standards for her children. With that, I want to thank my mother for all the lessons she has taught us through living her life as she did. May her life continue to inspire her family, friends, and those that new her.
