Yesterday we celebrated Mother’s Day in the United States. I was blessed to be able to spend time with my mom, which gets more and more precious to me the older she gets.
I was reflecting this morning on how much she has influenced my life in positive ways, and I want to share 3 things she has taught me that I want to preserve and keep alive in my life.
1. Be quick to compliment – we grew up with a lot of affirmation as my mom complimented us on our strengths and talents. I can see how this helped shape us into confident adults who are comfortable sharing our unique gifts in the workplace and community. My mom feels strongly that positive comments or feedback should be shared — if she hears something nice said about someone, she makes sure to pass it along. In our world today that can be so harsh, negative and mean, I want to follow my mom’s example in being quick to compliment and affirm the people in my life.
2. Laughter is the best medicine – I inherited my mom’s quirky sense of humor, and sometimes it’s only she and I laughing at a joke that no one else finds funny. But there’s no question that laughter filled our home often and regularly. It’s not that we didn’t have our share of hardships, financial crises, health scares, and arguments, but no matter how bad things got, laughter always entered in at some point and sweetened the trial. To be joyful is a choice, and keeping one’s sense of humor alive is key. I want to laugh heartily and often as my mom does and share that joy with others.
3. You’re only as old as you think you are – my mom is 85 years young. She speaks about the elderly as if she is not a part of that group. She decided many years ago that as she got older, she would only spend 5 minutes talking about her aches and pains and then move on. She is always planning her next trip, still taking art lessons to improve her painting skills, and just got her driver’s license renewed (although we may have to monitor that one 🙂 ). This week she got commissioned to refurbish a statue of Our Lady of Fatima in an outdoor public gardens, which she is happily taking on. I hope I have as much vitality and zest-for-living as my mom does up until my death.
I am so grateful for my mom and all that she has passed on to me.
Mothers rank high at the top of my heroes list, and I have so many absolutely amazing moms that I have come to know in my life. I salute you all and leave you with this heartfelt blessing:
May the Lord bless you and keep you and every one of your children.
May He let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, your children and grandchildren.
May He look upon you kindly and give your family peace. Amen.
Dania says
Beautiful. I know Rosemary and always feel loved and adored in her presence.
Ellen Hogarty says
Thanks, Dania. And thank you for your friendship and support for Kath!
Barbara LaMarca says
Thank you, Ellen for your wonderful remarks about your amazing mother and I am proud to say, my friend.
She is an amazing person and I think she must be the best Mother in the world.
It is so exciting to see the project she is taking on of the statue redo. It will be perfect when she is through with it. And I hear that you were very helpful in getting the proper attire for the statue. Thank you for your contribution.
Ellen Hogarty says
Thank you, Barbara, and thank you for being a good friend to my mom!
Rachel says
That is so beautiful Ellen. Thank you for sharing. You have also been a mother in so many ways to so many of us. We love you!
Ellen Hogarty says
Thank you, Rachel. That means a lot!