The Indomitable Spirit of Motherhood: Lessons from My Mom

As a child, I often wished that my mom was the best. I yearned for a mom who would be happy to see me, one who would encourage my interests and make me feel special. Now, as an adult, I understand that my mom was the perfect mom for me. She loved me without conditions and taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me to this day.

An Ideal Mom

My mom was the perfect mom because she fostered my love for music and poetry. She recognized my potential in typing and pushed me to develop this skill so that I could communicate effectively. She encouraged my enthusiasm for culinary arts and experimentation, teaching me to appreciate the pleasures of cooking and experimenting with flavors.

More importantly, she accepted and admitted her limitations and imperfections with grace and good humor. She took the time to listen and balance multiple perspectives without blowing things out of proportion. My mom was adaptable, rolling with the absurdities and twists that life threw her way. She remained curious and engaged in what her children were interested in, ensuring that her support was grounded in an understanding of their world.

My mom's unconditional love was unwavering, yet it came with common sense. She was not a pushover, but she valued us independently of her needs. As a grandmother, she respected that her grandchildren were not subject to her authority, asking questions without dictating outcomes. Her rules were clear but consistent with the principles of those who raised the grandchildren.

Lessons of Independence and Harsh Realities

While I may not have seen her actions as her intention to make me independent, she taught me several vital lessons in resilience and maturation. She may have been harsh at times, but her methods were a reflection of her deep understanding of the world.

Independence: My mother showed me the importance of being self-reliant from a young age. She encouraged me to take ownership of my life and made me aware of the need to think for myself. Realism: She taught me to face the harsh realities of the world, understanding that despite our connections, we are ultimately alone in navigating life's challenges. Detachment: My mom instilled in me the ability to detach from the actions of others. This skill has been invaluable in my personal and professional life, helping me maintain a healthy perspective. Self-awareness: She showed me how to not parent my own child, allowing me to raise my child with my unique approach and not her outdated methods.

Despite the lessons she imparted, I love my mother from afar. She taught me a crucial lesson about the nature of relationships and personal boundaries: you cannot control the words or actions of others, and no one has the right to treat you as less than human. The decision to keep someone in your life, even if they do not treat you as you deserve, is yours alone.

The Unconditional Bond

My mother's love was unconditionally selfless. She loved me even when she couldn't fix everything or make all my dreams come true. It is this love that has stayed with me throughout my life, shaping my resilience, independence, and understanding of the world.

Today, as a parent myself, I strive to emulate the best of my mother's teachings. I hope that someday, my child will feel the same love and support that I did from my mom. By understanding and appreciating these lessons, I can better guide my child and empower them to navigate life's challenges with grace and determination.