mom

I came to an awkward realization a few weeks ago:

I have become my mother.

It’s not a bad thing.  It does feel strange.  It hit me last month when I was at Costco.  I was buying groceries like normal and passed the chocolate covered almonds (yum!).  I looked at them for a brief moment, then decided I would wait.  After all, Emily loves them and she was going to be home from school the following weekend.  I’d wait ‘til she was home, take her to Costco, and buy her a container to take back to school.  Almost as soon as I finished the thought, I realized that it was exactly the type of thing my mother used to do.  Still does, as a matter of fact.  And I laughed. 

I remember the first time I ever thought I was turning into my mother.  Brent was probably about 5 or 6, and we were headed someplace in the car.  Someone said something, and my immediate response was something my mother would say.  I took a deep breath in and tried to come to terms with the thought.  I was too young to be her!  It wasn’t fair.  Then I realized…there are far worse things in life!  I let go of the concern and went on with life.

Now Brent is 22, and I’m becoming more like Mom all the time.  I say the same things she would.  We like the same kinds of things.  We have some of the same hobbies (but she’s a far better quilter than I).  Our mannerisms are very similar.  Heavens…we cook the same dinner several nights a week without talking about it!   The whole thing just makes me laugh.

Mom turned 70 last week.  We had a birthday dinner to celebrate.  While she was here, I watched her.  And something dawned on me.  Becoming my mother is a good thing!  She’s all the things I want to be when I grow up.  She loves her children and grandchildren unconditionally.  She’s involved in their lives—everything from watching their sporting events to reading them books for the 897th time.  She’s generous (to a fault, my dad might say!).  She gives from her heart.  She’s fun to be with.  She is genuine and loves people.  She talks lots but listens well and remembers much.  She and Dad will celebrate their 48th anniversary in December.  Dad’s been retired for over 20 years, and she still enjoys having him around.  :) 

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” ~Proverbs 16:31

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”  ~Proverbs 31:30

Thanks Mom!  It is a privilege to call you Mom and role model.