Saturday, June 28, 2008 - Tribute to Friendship, my mother - 2nd edition
"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us when adversity takes the place of prosperity when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."
--Washington Irving
The longest friendship I've ever had is that I share with my mother. She and I go way back. It was probably her face that I gazed at when I opened my eyes for the very first time in this world.
A daughter is a mother's gender partner, her closest ally in the family confederacy, an extension of her self. And mothers are their daughters' role model, their biological and emotional road map, the arbiter of all their relationships. ~Victoria Secunda
I'm sure there have been times when my mother wondered if I liked her at all. I'm sorry for those years that I was self absorbed and ignorant of all she did for me. And I regret those years when I was a selfish, hormonal teenager. I've probably thought and even said things that hurt her terribly. She seems to have forgiven me, she doesn't ever even mention it. Somehow we survived those tumultuous times.
The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence, when only the heart speaks. ~Carrie Latet
Now we're friends; I would venture to say the best of friends. We like being together, and talking to and listening to each other. We like sharing things and giving gifts to each other (mostly she shares with me and buys me and my children things. How can I help but like her? ;) heheheh. just kidding). But really, I was talking with a friend the other day, about how our moms really know how to give presents. What I mean is, whatever it is, you totally know that it was well thought out, and intentionally given. It is always the perfect gift.
"Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers, and sisters, aunts and cousins, but only one mother in the whole world."
-- Kate Douglas Wiggin
She is a nice person, she is generous and cheerful. If I am ever any of those things, I owe it to my mother. I hope someday to be more like her. We are not the same, but we have much in common. We are different, but uniquely similar. She's nicer than I am.
Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
But only one mother the wide world over.
~George Cooper
My mom helps me out just about everyday. I know I can count on her when I need something. I hope I can be such a friend for her. Unfortunately, we live continents apart. But she sends packages all the time AND she comes to visit us once a year and that means the world to all of us!
"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but
whose place no one else can take."
-- Cardinal Mermillod
Mother, you are very precious. Thanks for being my friend for so many years.
What a beautiful tribute to your mother! It is a blessing to have your mother for a dear, true, loyal, loving friend that definitely knows the good and the bad parts of you.
LOL about her being nicer than you. I don't know if that's even possible!
It is with intense gratitude I say "Thank you" to you, my very amazing daughter. My eyes drip as I respond. There is hardly anything I can think of that is more rewarding than to know that one's children are serving God with all their might.
Your mothering of our most precious grandchildren is challenging day-to-day, yet you seem so capable of meeting that challenge. No doubt God is the source of your great strenghth and fortitude, but it is beyond my comprehension. God knows what He is doing, for sure.
One of the things that impresses me in your parenting skills is your gentleness with the kids, particularly when we speak on the phone and they (as all kids do) seem to be naturally talented in testing those skills best at that particular time. You handle that with calmness.
Another thing I have loved to watch is your enjoyment of the infancy stages. I too LOVE the baby stage. Of course each stage has it's special treats, but there is something about being able to comfort the little ones ... to snuggle with them.
I could go on and on about other remarkable observations, i.e. the courage you have had to tackle not only the many "normal" difficulties of mommy-ing, but you recognize the vast importance of instilling a Christ-centered foundational education. There was an ever so brief point in time when I gave homeschooling some consideration and was not up to the challenge with only two children ... you have been taking that on with two children so far, and have three younger ones to manage at the same time !!
It has been a wonder to behold your ability to pack and plan your MANY moves. Not only do you have to consider all of the multitude of "ordinary" processes during a move, but there are usually two to five other places you need to move things to!! Possibly more than one place in Peru, possibly as many as three places in Oregon, possibly Iowa ... etc., etc. There are five quickly growing children to plan clothing for for extended periods of time ... numerous changes of climate during the different stages of growth. Not to mention all of the management of household and meals. My mind gets boggled just trying to fathom such things!
Thank you for your encouraging friendship. Yes, I do love to spend time with you, and having you almost to myself several times during your last visit was SO MUCH FUN!! The grandkids bring undescribable joy, but the distraction and exhausting involvement with them when we are together has hindered the opportunities for our own together time. Our phone time is a pleasing alternative to actual time spent together and I am most grateful for those times, as well.
Again, thank you for the unexpected delight in sharing your thoughts about our relationship. I am honored and humbled. If there is any praise to be acknowledged, it would be to the glory of God. He would be the only explanation for any recognition of praises due. Without Him, I would be hopeless.
I love you.
P.S. Lest your dear hubby read this and think I place all the credit in your lap, I acknowledge that I find him nearly as amazing ... hehehe. It would go without saying, almost, that such mothering as has been described above would be nigh impossible without a very incredible mate. Love you too, MJT ! Thank you for your wonderful, supportive husbanding-n-fathering to my very amazing daughter-n-grandchildren!!
Hello!! I'm Amy Tuttle
co-founder and owner
of F.A.I.T.H
~ Fisher Academy Int'l Teaching Home...
In our house, the learning never stops, we are ALL still learning and loving it! This blog is to document life at home as it happens...
And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
