Happy Mother's Day!
This is a picture of my mom and dad in Jamestown, RI. They love to walk Jamestown when they get the opportunity. My parents love to do many things together. They are a great example of a loving partnership of two great friends. They will be married 43 years on November 11th.
I know it is hard to believe, but I was not a perfect child. In fact, I am sad to say that when I was 17, I felt that I didn't like my mom-she wouldn't always let me go where ever I wanted to go. Luckily, it was short lived. In fact, I know now that my mother was right. I gained new appreciation for my mother when I became a mother myself. Thankfully, our perspective changes as we get older.
I am grateful to have such a truly kind, compassionate, fun, intelligent, hard working, loving, forgiving, talented and spiritual mother. This is not just lip service. My mother taught me that to truly love someone, you love them through the good and bad. My parents had their trials, all couples do. However, She taught us children that a marriage is a partnership. Each one has the ability and knowledge to take care of responsibilities, the burden of providing for and rearing a family does not lie solely on one person, each has to work together. Each has to believe in each other, respect each other and build each other up. She taught us that you should speak kindly to everyone, be positive and encouraging. She taught us that people can become what you believe they will become, it is all in attitude and choice. In so doing she also taught us that the greatest gift you can give is yourself. There is nothing that can be bought in a store that can ever equal a personal relationship with someone. She did not teach this through lectures, she taught this through her actions.
Linda Warner has taught me the value of sacrifice. My parents went without while providing a home in a safe area with good education for us children. She always found the small, simple ways to find joy and beauty. A walk to Wickford, a trip to feed the ducks, the playground in Peacedale; all of these little things created a feeling of love and fun. She sacrificed and in so doing set the example of hard work, love, frugality, integrity and charity. My mom was a parent while we were younger and became our friend into adulthood. It is an important distinction because so many parents today focus on being the friend instead of the parent. She never confused her priorities. The world would be a better place if more people had a mom like mine.
My mother has been blessed with great faith. She toted five kids to church each week by herself (my dad didn't go). My dad attributes us children to being good people because of my mom keeping us in church. In personal conversations, she has told me that prayer has got her through many of her personal trials. She can attest to the benefit of heeding the guidance of the Spirit in those prayers.
I am grateful that I had such a wonderful example of how to be a wife and a mother. If anyone were to see my parents together they would not doubt the love and concern they have for each other. They also set the example of showing love, desire and passion. It is easy to do when you have the confidence and security of being with your best friend. The hugs and kisses were abundantly seen as their genuine love is impossible to hide.
I remember building a picnic table in our back yard, countless book shelves, a dining room table out of a ping pong table, gardening, painting, fixing things in the house and sometimes on the car. She set the example, while not a "feminist", that a woman can do anything that she wants to do; however, she should not lose her femininity while doing so. My mom grew up an only child to a construction worker/farmer. She learned early how to work and to do almost anything. She tried to install that in us kids.
Music was abundant in our home growing up. My mom plays piano, guitar, banjo, violin, and mandolin. She also has a strong alto voice and can throw harmony into almost any song. My mom tried to teach us piano and violin. I was not one of her successful students. I love the memory I have of my parents dancing in the living room or my dad listening to her play piano (honky tonk was the most fun).
There is so much more to my mom. I am so grateful for her becoming my mother, my friend. I would not be who I am today without her love, example and support.
I love you Mom!
