To all the moms I’ve loved before (a second look)

Sherri T.

 

 Dear WOOMers: I published this blog on Mother’s Day last year.  It still touches my heart so I thought it was worth saying again.

I created Words of Our Mothers (WOOM) to pay tribute to my mother Bella. To remember her words and her influence on our lives and to ensure that her wisdom was never lost. From generation to generation.

Not that I always (read “hardly ever”) listened to her advice. Not that I ever welcomed her constant comments (read “nagging”).

But I always knew that she was looking out for me. And I now appreciate her never-ending “recommendations.” Sometimes I even hear myself using her words – the ones I vowed that I would never repeat. 

WOOM is a way to thank my mother for all her concern. She taught me some less important things (eat your pie with a fork) and some very important things. Be a good person and walk tall. 

I soon realized while engaging in this labor of love that there are many other mothers whom I must thank as well. Their wisdom is equally valuable.

To Perla for being the shining example of kind. The most gentle person who was strong as a rock.

To Ruth who lived the meaning of grace and gracious. 

To Sema for teaching us about resilience under the most difficult of life circumstances.

To Sarah who demonstrates every day incredible strength and vitality.

To Libby for raising such an amazing daughter who has talent, integrity and compassion.

To Doris who would say “It would be NICE….” because she knew it was the way to get her children to do things. The kid-glove knockout punch.

To Belle for saying “choose nice.” You don’t always have a choice, but if you do……

To the mothers I never knew but whose words now guide me:

To Dorothy who would say: “Remember who you are and where you came from.”

To Min who wisely advised us that we can’t dance at every wedding.

To Lucille who reassures her children that “all is good” so they don’t worry.

To Ray who put everything in perspective by saying: “I have been your age. You have never been mine.”

To Bella and all the moms I’ve loved before (and now): 

Happy Mother’s Day. Most of you are no longer here. But your wise words and guidance will stay with us forever.