I work with kids, everyday, who come from homes where their families have stomped on them in one way or another. These kids have crushed spirits, and struggle with whether or not they still have value. It strikes such a cord with me in how important family... no... a LOVING, CARING, and CHRIST CENTERED family is to the development and success of a child.
My Mom had a birthday yesterday. My Mom is a HUGE part of the reason why I am what I am today. Not only am I blessed with her personality, but I also have her heart. Her heart for kids. She taught me SO MUCH, and I rarely ever gave her credit! The way she would interact with the teens in the youth group, like being funny and silly, but at the same time revealing her mother's heart and how deeply she cared for every single girl. She was always at my basketball games, volleyball games, singing events, band concerts, plays, dance recitals, and youth group... everythings!
I remember the first summer mission trip I went on, to South Lake Tahoe, my Mom was going too. I remember telling her that when we were on the trip, she wasn't my mom. I would call her Kay, just like all of the other girls, and she would have to like it. (Yes, I am still that bossy.) She was very cool about it, even though I could tell she was trying to hide how she was really rather annoyed with me. Day one of the trip, I was trying her patience with, "Kay this" and, "Kay that." But by the end of the trip... she was my Mother again. It just didn't feel right, calling her Kay. She was my Mom. AND a COOL Mom at that! I was proud of her, I was proud of being her daughter... and the foolishness of calling my mom Kay, faded.
One of my favorite memories is shopping with her. You may be surprised at what part of this experience is may favorite. It wasn't the 30 min. drive to Clackamas mall where we'd either listen to fun music (like Shoop) or talk about boys and such. Mom and I always likes to analyze why I liked and dated the boys I did. (We still do this! Fun stuff!)
And it wasn't the actual trying on and buying of the clothes that was my favorite part of shopping, even though it was always fun. And it wasn't eating at the food court, me with the veggie alfredo and her with a chick-fil-a or corn dog and lemonade. It was how we would hold hands and talk when walking in the mall, from shop to shop. I was 15 - 22 years old, STILL holding hands with my Mommie! Not embarrassed and not annoyed. I was usually the one to reach for her hand first. It was always safe, always natural, and always right!
I gave my Mom fits, and I know I also made her proud. But I don't ever think I ever made a point of telling her how instrumental she was in me becoming the woman I am today. I hope to make her proud and I hope to make her legacy a lasting one! A legacy of fun, silliness, caring, nurturing, and listening. But most importantly, a legacy of letting Christ be the Lord of your life and trusting that He will take care of you.
Mom still impresses me. She has been living beyond herself these days and allowing the spirit to work through her by stretching her comfort zone. She's had a few different... let's call them... speaking engagements, where I know God has blessed the lives of others by her willingness to share and be stretched. And intern, God has blessed my Mother with confidence in Christ.
She is one of my very best friends. Still so fun to hang out with and talk to on the phone. And still so caring and nurturing, always having me and Suzanne's best interest at heart. Mom never tried to crush our spirit and she ALWAYS made sure we knew we had value and a place that was comfortable... a home!
The greatest gift Mom gave to me, was an example of how to love, honor and obey my husband out of reverence for God!
I love you Mommie! Happy Birthday!
Love, Kakers
Thursday, April 27, 2006
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6 comments:
Aw, that's so sweet. I just about teared up--you'll have your Mom bawling buckets when she reads this.
Your Mom really is the most delightful lady. It's not often that you find someone even half as sweet and fun and caring and generous as she always is. It's impossible to think of her without smiling and it's impossible to be around her without feeling loved.
She's been an extra mom/auntie to a lot of kids over the years, and I'll bet big bucks that every single one of us not only still remembers lots of fun times with her, but loves her to distraction. It's amazing what spending a little time and having a little fun can mean to a kid--even one who's not particularly neglected or needy. I'm so proud of you for the way you're taking what you learned from your sweet mommie and running with it.
Happy Birthday Kay! I can only hope that someday my daughters will speak of me in such a way.
KK- thank you for sharing your mom with me. I don't see her near enough but, the times that I do I am so blessed. The relationship that you have is a great example to me. Thank you and blessings to you and your sweet family.
:) Shauna
I love your motha. She is one of my favorites. I got a chance to talk to her at the beginning of March when I was in town for my dad's bday, and I was so blessed to see her. She really has the sweetest spirit, and is so easy to talk to. She was my C-team leader for a while and I always felt so normal, not ashamed, when I would talk about my struggles and feelings. She is always just one of the girls, she never seemed like a mom, but always had mom advice and love to give to everyone. She is so special.
Its so sweet that you posted this for her, i know she is so proud.
I love your mommie too. She was always so sweet and supportive when we were kids. I'd like to give her a hug. Ditto to all of your sentiments (well at least to those that aren't gender or daughter specific).
I too love your mommy! She is one of my all time favorites! She always has been. I am so lucky to have her at my church now. She's very special.
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