As I have been fondly reminiscing the weekend spent with you & Dad at the end of September--I thought about how I often declare
‘I am a Daddy’s girl’...and I am.
However that is not a slight against you. I love you both equally.
I just assume that you know that (& have known that throughout the years)--but you know what they say about when you assume…..so I want to remind you of this fact so that there never is a doubt.
You are my Mom and I love you dearly.
If you were holding my one hand and Daddy the other and there was a tug of war over who is my most loved parent—well, you would have to pull me in half…
As a Mom, myself—I know full well that you were the one who primarily cared for me from birth through the adolescent years. You nurtured me, taught me respect towards others and instilled in me manners. You brushed my hair, ironed my clothes ( & sometimes my hair in an attempt to straighten out my curls!) You made our house a home & every evening at 5 PM we gathered as a Family to share a home cooked meal and stories and laughter. I always felt loved and safe in our home, because of you (and Dad).
The list is endless of all that you have done for me.
You sacrificed much for me to have more.
I was not always easy—and I wish I could go back through time and have a ‘do-over’ because I would never want to be disrespectful or hurtful. (I hope you also know that it was more of a maturing process than an attack on you as a parent.) If God would give me a 'do-over'---and give me a choice in the matter--- I would pick you all over again as my Mom.
Being a Mother is undeniably the hardest job in the world and a life long vocation that no one is trained for or has earned a degree in...and yet it is also the most rewarding privilege. Children are truly a gift from God...and Mothers are a gift to their children. I know this is not true concerning all mothers...but it is of you!
I admit that --as a mother myself -- my heart desires to please God in all my actions and reactions with my own children--- yet though my spirit is willing, my flesh is weak…and thus I fail—more often than I like.
I so loathe those times---however, those very times humble me and keep me on my 'heart knees'- before God.
Dependent on His mercy. Relying on His forgiveness.
Embraced by His grace. Lifted by His love.
And I believe that is just where He wants me—not just during those times—but at all times!
So, yes I am a Daddy‘s girl—of my heavenly father and my earthly father.
However, I am also my Mother’s daughter, your little girl --no matter how many years go by.
I am a daughter who loves her Mother very much and
I am also immensely grateful to God that you are my Mommy.
This is why I send you flowers on my birthday.
It is my birth day, but more importantly it is a day to show my love & thanks to you for being my Mom.
I love you Mom! Happy Birthday!
May we Sell-ebrate many more this side of Heaven.
Your daughter, ~Wendy Lee
Wendy's Witz-dom: Honoring our Parents is the only commandment accompanied with a promise!
God’s Wisdom: ‘Her children rise up and bless her’ (Proverbs 31:28a)
How lovely to hear your appreciation for your mom, Wendy! I know I told my mother how much I appreciated all she did for me,and I am grateful I had the opportunity to do so. The words you chose to honor your mother are beautiful, and I thank you for sharing these thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWendy- I'm sure your Mom will cherish your words. I know I have always been grateful that I had a chance to tell my Mom how much I loved her before she passed, and to hear from her, too. You are doubly blessed by your love for your Mom, and her love in return. Thanks for sharing....
ReplyDeleteMarcia