My Mother, My Strength

Photo Titled:  Leaving Hawai'i for L.A., 1967

Motherhood doesn't come with any guide books to help us navigate the sometimes choppy waters of raising children, and yet there was never a moment when I felt that my own mother was lost at sea.  She tackled motherhood with great gusto, and despite several college degrees, she chose to stay home to raise my brother and me.  For many, many years, we had the luxury of coming home to homebaked snacks, homemade meals, books at bedtime, and hugs at night.

My  mother often talked about her ongoing dilemma of career vs. home, and it wasn't until I was in middle school that she returned to the work force after 18 years of being a homemaker.  She felt that it was important to regain her identity outside of being a mother, and she managed to balance career and family so well.  I've always admired my mother for her determination and strength;  she was definitely the captain of our ship.

My mother is retired now, and just recently she has started to care for my father who has fallen ill.  Her days are so very long, and I can see the exhaustion in her eyes, and I can hear it in her voice.  And yet, somehow, she manages to keep a smile on her face.  I wish her much strength for my father's journey back to health. She is my mother, my strength. 

******
To all the mothers, I wish you a very happy mother's day.

Comments

[Marilyn]

Lovely tribute to your Mom. Happy Mother's Day, Leslie!

[amanda]

Oh, tears flowing here now. ;) what a lovely tribute. Your mom sounds strong, smart, and loving. Hmn. Just like you. A very very happy Mother's day to you, Leslie!

[shokufeh]

*sniff* I hope your mother reads your blog. She looks like a very hip woman, so she must. Happy Mother's Day, Leslie!

[Carrie S.]

Happy Mother's Day to you too Leslie! What a wonderful tribute to your mother - she is so beautiful, and so are you.

[Lilie]

Happy Mother's Day to you too!! :)

[Amanda]

What a beautiful picture and a beautiful story. Mothers are amazing! Happy Mother's day to you!

[dawn]

You're mom sounds amazing. And, you, too, are an amazing mom. Happy Mother's Day!!

[heidi]

How lovely! (Mom AND the artwork.) Yay for the mamas!

[marzi]

happy mom's day leslie! hope you had a good stress-free weekend. the artwork and message are both beautiful!

[jesser]

A wonderful tribute to your mom! Hope you had a lovely Mothers' Day too.

[joy]

Happy Happy Mother's Day Leslie! You're a scrapbooker now I see;)

[gillian]

Blinking back tears... lovely.

[jenny]

leslie, a late happy mothers day to you, and to your sweet mother, and father - sounds like he couldn't have better care! xo

[Kathleen]

What a lovely post, & it's so sweet to see just how much you resemble her from this photo & story too. Beautiful! :)

[jes]

I was thinking the same thing that Kath said...your strength and determination to raise happy children, your "I can do anything" attitude, must come from her.

PS...still sending those vibes out to you girl! xoxox

[erika]

*mwah* you're the sweetest. what a wonderful tribute to your mom :)

oh and can we talk about how styling she is here?!