Tuesday, April 12, 2011
For My Momma
I am going to use the blog once again for shameless promotion. You see, there is somewhere I would really like to be tonight. I would really like to be in Jackson with my sweet Mother. Tonight she is being honored with a Sterling Award, presented by the Jackson Sun and Jackson Business & Professional Women. I can think of no one more deserving, and I am sad that I can't be there to celebrate this honor with her. I am instead going to do it from 300 miles away with a blog and a keyboard. Where do I even start? She is a wonderful mother. Patient, gracious, kind, helpful (thanks for the free tax advice!), smart, beautiful. I could go on, but you get the picture. As a woman, she has been the single greatest influence on my life. By her example, I learned as a young child that a woman can raise a family and have a career. Was I internalizing all of that at the ripe old age of 9? No. But looking back from 35, I see her handprints all over my own life. As a "stay-at-home-lawyer" I am amazed at what my mother accomplished while tending to a house and 2 kids. (One pretty good, one crazy, but I won't say which!)
I had the honor of watching my own mother graduate college. I know what she went through to get there, and I know what she went through to pass the dreaded old CPA exam, but those are not the things I remember. I honestly do not remember her being gone at night to attend class. I don't remember her retreating back to the study so she could study for the CPA with what little "free time" (as a mother now myself, I find that term laughable) she had. You know what I do remember? I remember having dinner as a family what seemed like every night. I remember always having someone around to help me with homework, listen to me read, or sign report cards. I remember two parents who never missed a sporting event I was a part of. (Disclaimer: I was never really involved in the sport itself, just to avoid confusion for anyone who knows me. I was a cheerleader for both basketball and football, and they were there all the same!) I remember being cared for when I was sick. I do not recall ever having done my own laundry when I was at home. (Alas, Samantha may not enjoy that same privilege. After doing 8, yes 8 loads last week, I have officially declared myself over laundry. More power to you Mom!) I recall always having both Mom and Dad involved in anything I had going on at school. We never missed church.
My point is this, and I remind myself of this a lot when I think of Samantha and Andrew .... I am sure there are many times she was frustrated, wanted to pull her hair out, maybe wanted to pull our hair out (I do remember her getting a bit aggressive with some of my tangles. Hmmm.), wondered how it would all get done or if her house would ever be clean or how dinner would make its way to the table. I am sure at times she felt some guilt about being gone and busy. But I remember none of that. I have only happy memories of my childhood. I have only happy thoughts of two wonderful parents (and four amazing grandparents) who loved me, supported me, cared for me, and were there for me in any and every way possible. I don't have a clue how my mother did what she did, and it makes me love and respect her all the more.
Thank you, Mom, for being a huge part of making me who I am. You are my hero. And most importantly, you are my friend. I am so very proud to be your daughter. I wish I could be in Jackson to share this wonderful day with you. Instead, I'll be tending house, taking care of your grandkids and part-time lawyering in Knoxville. And, sadly, I'll probably have to .... do some laundry. Sigh.
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2 comments:
Amy,
I am overwhelmed. I know you were there with me tonight in your heart and that's what is important. I was very humbled to receive the honor and even more humbled by your tribute. These are words I will cherish. I love you more that you will ever know and am so proud of the wife and mother you've become. I have no doubts that some day your children will say about you what you so beautifully said about me. The circle of love continues.
Wow. Shouldn't have read this at work! What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful lady from a wonderful lady! Love you both!
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