We can read books. We can solicit advice. We can pray. Each is helpful. All are wonderful. Yet – for me – one of the most valuable tools in learning to become a loving, devoted, and passionate mom is… being in the presence of a loving, devoted, and passionate mom.
Even as wide-eyed children, we may not see it until hindsight is 20/20. I see it now. Good gracious was my mom good and gracious!!
Her name is Momma. She is mine. Well, not entirely. I share her with three of my best friends. Her KAOTIC4.
We were her sunshines, her only sunshines… her top priority… the pleasure of her life. Her expectations were clear. Be honest. Get good grades. Make your bed. Be nice to your brother. Bad words will cost you 25¢. Pay attention in church. Finish what you’ve started. The list goes on, and disappointing her was not an option.
Our house was the cleanest on the block. Our driveway was home to summertime shenanigans. Our kitchen table was a sanctuary for family time. Our bedrooms were auditoriums for each evening’s songs. And there she was… at the heart of it all.
She made holidays magical and vacations memorable. Nothing was over the top. Just the perfect amount of simple joy. We were happy kids living a happy childhood. We anticipated much, savored much, imagined much. She loved much, and loved well.
Being a mom was not her duty, it was her privilege. I’m fairly certain she would give anything to do it all again. She paved the way, set the ultimate example, and now I’m getting my crack at it.
Their names are Sissy and Bubba. They are mine. Well, not entirely. I share them with my best friend.
I hope they read books. I hope they solicit advice. I hope they pray. I also hope they say they were in the presence of a loving, devoted, and passionate mom. Lord knows… they are my sunshines, my only sunshines.