My mother taught me about the power of inspiration and courage,
and she did it with a strength and a passion that
I wish could be bottled.
~ Carly Fiorina
Although some people wouldn't believe it now, I wasn't too fond of my mother as a teenager. Granted, no one really is, but I was truly convinced my mother was related to Satan. Even when I went to college, I recall hanging up on my mother more than once (and my dad calling back). It's not that my mom was a bad person. I'm just an optimist and she's what I would call critical. We just had different ways of seeing things and combined with our stubbornness, it just didn't mesh well.
After college graduation, my mom and didn't always see eye to eye, but we garnered a mutual respect. Through the years, the relationship with my mom has blossomed into a good one. Years ago, no one (family included) could imagine that we could go on one - let alone three - two week vacations together. Yes, we did get on each others nerves once in a while - but no one got thrown off a balcony or anything. And I discovered we both share a hobby of photography and the pursuit of that perfect shot. I cherish the memories and time I spent with Mom on those trips, and hope to venture to Alaska in 2013.
This is poignant as Mom was diagnosed with cancer in August 2012. I have always thought my mom to be "a strong, stubborn German woman" - much like my grandmother - but with a caring, compassionate side. I figure if anyone is going to fight this disease - it's her. And I truly believe she can...and will.
I've said this before, but I am still in awe of how Mom has handled everything. While I was going to through my divorce, my dad told me "Your mother and I raised you kids to be strong, independent and able to handle anything thrown at you". Little did I expect that we'd have to deal with something like this thrown at us. But dammit, that phrase is true - and I see we got a lot of that resiliency from Mom. Her persistence actually prompted the doctors to perform more invasive tests - which lead to diagnosis. I firmly believe that, because of this, her treatment is going well as they caught it early enough. However, It is debatable whether my trait of persistence has served me well - I guess it depends what side you're on.
But I am most in awe of her positive spirit (and not just because she's "a realist" - her term for it). I for one would be scared shitless and probably be dropping f-bombs if it were me. Granted, I have done both in the past nine months (mostly with close friends), but I feel I need to be strong for Mom (and provide the comic relief). Despite all the poking, prodding, chemically infused things going into her body - she is happy and living each day to the fullest. I figure you can let the diagnosis kick your butt, or attempt to kick the butt of the diagnosis. The latter seems to suit Mom better - and her daughter is always up for some butt-kicking as well, although I may be a bit more obvious and verbal about it.
Mom is someone I have grown respect and admire, and most importantly, someone I couldn't imagine life without - and hope not to have to experience that anytime soon. I can only hope to exhibit half the grace, poise, courage and positive attitude as she has in the past nine months - in any situation.
So on this Mother's Day...it really is all about Mom. If your mom is no longer with us, remember the good times and cherish the memories. If your mom is indeed alive, take her out to lunch or a movie (or a botanical garden) - or if there are miles between you, at least call her. After all, you only get one mother.
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