Motherhood and Passing It On

Whenever my mom and I talk these days about how my brother and I were when we were growing up and how we turned out, she always says one thing - “I must have done something good”.  I guess she did because I have so many fond memories of how she was as a mother when we were younger. Through her actions, she taught me how to be loving and affectionate - and how even the smallest of deeds can make a difference. Through her words, she gave me tidbits of wisdom that I find I live by until today. More importantly, through being the mom that she was, she taught me how to be a wonderful mom to my own kids.

Each mother has her own way of showing her child affection. Whether it be as big a production as having mom serve you breakfast in bed on your birthday or something as simple as a reading you a bedtime story and giving you a peck on the forehead each and every night, moms really do find ways and means to show their child just how much they care.

I remember the ‘dates’ my Mom would have with me every so often - just the two of us. These were times when she showed me that having fun need not be expensive and that it didn’t really matter what we did, where we ate or how much we spent. What mattered was the time spent with each other. I remember special occasions being made extra special because she would make sure that they were so - little surprises and small deeds that would show us that she knew us and that we mattered and that we were special. I remember spending evenings just lying in her bed with her and talking about anything and everything.  These were the moments she taught me that Mom is not only Mom, but she can be the best friend a girl could have. These experiences and so many others with my Mama were those that made my life and my childhood a little richer.

She taught me how family and friendship are the things that matter most in life … how showing love and affection and having a grateful heart for each and every day should be second nature to us, and how motherhood is not only about the big things, but also the little things.   

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Now that I am a mother myself, I appreciate more what she did for me when I was younger. The things I grew up with, both the little things and the principles she strove to teach me and instill in me, are the things that I want my own kids to have.

I want my Mama to know that I remember the little things she did for me and I appreciate them. I appreciate her so much more now because of what she has passed on to me and what I am now able to pass on to my kids.  

There is a saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This passing on of endearments and traditions our mothers taught us are things that should be cherished and celebrated. They are reflections and manifestations of what we as children knew to be good and right and wonderful. Just for a moment, every once in a while, it is good to look back and appreciate the things our mothers did for us; and then look forward because there is beauty in passing them on to the next generation.

As for what my mom always says—“I must have done something good.”…

Yes Mama, you did.

Photo from sxc.hu