Every year, we celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. This year, as Mother’s Day approaches, it reminds me of all of the amazing women I have been blessed with in my life.
My maternal grandmother was one of 13 children. The first child was born in Poland, and at the turn of the century the family escaped to the United States. The family of farmers was a very male-dominated family, where the men ate first and when they were finished the women were allowed to sit at the table and eat.
No one messed with my great grandmother. She stood only 5 feet tall but ruled with an iron fist. She loved me oh so very much, but she could make people run from a room with that evil eye of hers.
My father’s Aunt Doris was a force of nature. Born in Portugal, her family moved to Massachusetts. Later in life she was widowed with a 1-year-old daughter. She worked at the Reed and Barton silver mill. Aunt Doris and I were fast friends. She loved to cook and I loved to learn. I remember she had a million expressions, and was always taking in someone or lending a hand to those who needed it.
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| (Left to right) Aunt Doris, my Mom, Me, and my Grandmother at Great Adventure in 1976. |
No one has had more influence on me than my own mother.
You probably already know that I am an only child. There is a special bond between only children and their parents.
My mother is an artist. She taught me to really see the picture. She would ask, “What do you see?” I would answer, “A black line and red dot.” Then, in her most encouraging tone she’d reply, “Look harder. Can’t you see a face, or maybe the sun?” She taught me to dig deep, not to see what is in front of me but look beyond to see something more beautiful.
She also taught me to do that with people and in different situations—to not make judgments about what is apparent, but instead to look for the good (or sometimes evil) as it may be.
My love of art and music come from her. She doesn’t always like the same art that I like, but she always says the same thing, “It has to speak to you. That is what makes it come alive.”
I am blessed to still have both my parents with me, something I cherish every day. While we bicker from time to time, like any mother and daughter, both my parents know that none of the blessings that have come to me would have happened without their unconditional love and support.
My best wishes to all of you who celebrate Mother’s Day! Thank you for all the mothering you do for our children and your colleagues.
Is there anything you would like to share about how your Mother influenced who you are today?
