Photo by Andy Newson at www.freedigitalphotos.net
What’s your favorite color? What’s your favorite flower? What’s your favorite holiday? It all sounds like a note you would send to your best friend in elementary school doesn’t it? These were all questions that I was just dying to know the answers to. The only way I could get those answers though was to make “the call”.
I know for me, that every day passes like a blink of an eye. The alarm goes off at 6:30 A.M. and we’re off! There’s school, sports, social events, family events, and before you know it the day is over. Where did the time go? So many thoughts and ideas run through my head that I know I won’t get to them all. As mothers, we pick and choose what we will do that day. We choose whether to be in a good mood or a bad mood. We choose to help a friend in need, we choose to learn and share with those around us.
On one very special day, I chose to learn and share with a special woman I had known for years. As I sat staring at the phone, I began to get nervous. I don’t know why I was so nervous. I actually talk to her quite often but for some reason, this time it was different. I’m not sure what made me do it and I’m not sure why I felt I had to make “the call”. But, I did. My hands began to shake and tremble as I picked up the telephone receiver to dial. The phone began to ring, and a moment later a friendly woman’s voice answered. This woman, I had known for years, said she was glad I had called and told me she had just been thinking about me. What a coincidence! Or was it? I’m the kind of person who doesn’t believe in coincidences, and I believe everything happens for a reason. So what was the reason? At that point, I wasn’t quite sure.
After the usual pleasantries, I simply told her I wanted to learn more about her and her family, and what it was like growing up as a child. It’s amazing what you can learn from someone by just asking a few simple questions. This woman, this mother, who was soft-spoken and not much for being the center of attention began to burst with joy, reminiscing about the good ol’ days. As she told story after story I really began to get a sense of what her life was like. It was fun hearing stories about their holidays and the funny things that happened to them as children.
As we hopped from one topic to the next, I began asking her questions about her mother. Before I knew it, this woman I thought I “knew” I now saw in a new light. She was beaming with pride, like a child, over her mama’s good works. Even though her mother had passed away over 30 years ago, she still had the admiration and love a child has for one’s parent.
I discovered the reason for making “the call” was simple. It was to learn from those around me. Making “the call” was no coincidence. I believe that on that day new memories were formed. I believe on that very special day our relationship grew. I believe on that day this woman taught me that children will always look up to their mothers with every ounce of admiration and love their little hearts can muster up. There truly is a strong bond between a mother and her child. As mother’s, we have the special, and unique opportunity to bring joy and happiness into our children’s lives. What can be better than that? I know my admiration for my mother grows with each moment that I talk with her and learn from her.
As our conversation came to a close, I lovingly told her, “Thanks for sharing all those great stories with me! I really learned alot. I’ll talk to you later. I love you Ma! Bye”
Question: Have you learned anything new about your mother lately?
Challenge: To find out something new about your mother. Either through reading her journal, looking at old photos, or speaking with her directly. After learning something new about your mom, find a unique way to share the new information you just learned with your children.
Oh Lisa-this made me cry! Absolutely LOVED this.
I’ve been feeling disconnected recently! This speaks to me! Thank you!