I’m so lucky that I have the mother that I do.
My mama taught art lessons at my school when I was growing up and painted murals outside the classroom doors at my elementary school.
She typed up my creative writing stories when I was little, and bound them into books with my illustrations. She still has them.
She led my girl scout troop and my 4-H club, and organized camping trips and arena rides and all sorts of learning excursions. We camped in the rain and the heat, but really, since it is the Pacific Northwest, we mostly camped in the rain. We sold cookies and Christmas swags and manned hot dog stands and a million other things that are undoubtedly a huge pain in the butt for any parent.
She helped me bathe and scrub my all white horse after a muddy winter. I bet she was pretty happy when I got a bay (and a warm water wash rack).
She let my friend move in with us when she was having a tough time with her family.
My mother is talented with all things crafty. She can sew and quilt, paint, make jewelry, dye fabric, make paper and a million other arts and crafts. I am in awe of her talent – I wish I had gotten the genes for any of it!
My mama taught me all about my family background, from my father’s ancestors in Poland and Bohemia, to her ancestors in Scotland and England. We went to visit the places where my great-grandmother lived in Scotland before she crossed the ocean to Boston. She tried haggis in Scotland.
She went on a road trip with me and when I just about crashed the rental car, we laughed so hard we cried – after of course. When the dead bunny needed to be extricated from the grill of the same car, she grabbed a paper town and pulled him out.
She has taken care of my cats, my horses, my friends and me without hesitation.
My mama practices tough love when I need it, providing me with that candid perspective. “You can do anything for 90 days.” If I didn’t get to make the choice, at least I could affect the outcome.
She lost my father, her partner and husband of over 50 years 3 months ago, but she hasn’t let that stop her from living. Even with that kick in the teeth, she hasn’t given up. She keeps trying, keeps getting things done. It isn’t fair and it sucks, but what other choice do you have?
She taught me that life is what you make it. You try your hardest and do your best, and what comes to you is in direct proportion to your effort. You look on the bright side even on the darkest of days. You might take a break, but you don’t give up.
My mama hasn’t had an easy road lately, but I admire her fortitude. She’s badass. I hope I am just a little like her.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you.