Things My Mother Knows

[caption id="attachment_349" align="aligncenter" width="208" caption="Mom and Me Ready For a Swim"][/caption]

   

I remember my mother holding my hand when I was little.  She held me on her lap and was never short of kisses.  She took me to the beach, played games with me, cheered for me, stuck up for me, watched Mighty Mouse with me and waited for me to come home from school everyday just so she could give me a treat and lot's of love.  

Her mother was also very loving, as was her grandmother despite the hardships they all endured.  It has been passed down from generation to generation, this great display of motherly love.  My mother lives next door to me now, always ready to give a helping hand and encouragement, take a walk with me, or just sit on the porch with a cup of coffee prepared to unload whatever thoughts she is pondering.  

    

Forgiveness Is Key

 

But what I remember most growing up is what she said to me when I was feeling low; "Forgive them Donna.  Pray for them."  For many years, I did not understand how to forgive.  I would close my eyes, bow my head, and ask God to help me forgive "them".  A good start, but I did not feel it.  I couldn't figure out why I wasn't feeling what I thought I should be feeling, relief.  

Then one day, I was looking in the mirror criticizing myself for not being as pretty as the other girls.  Surely that must have been why they didn't show up to my party.  I was not developed. I still liked sleepovers and M&M's and pillow fights.  According to everyone else, I was anything but cool.  I couldn't stand the sight of myself.  Then,  my mother walked into my room, looked at me very gently and said, " You are so beautiful to me.  I wish you could see what I see."    

    

My Mother Wanted Me To Love Myself As Much As She Loved Me

 

And in that moment, not fully aware, but getting the gist, I realized there was a component to that "forgive them" thing.  I also had to forgive myself, a lesson I keep reminding myself to live every day.  If something pops up that feels hurtful like an unpleasant memory or when I find that I am judging other people or myself, I stop what I am doing, close my eyes and forgive myself.  And, as my mother always told me, pray for the other person.  I literally ask God to make the other person's day better.  And you know what I find?  Relief and peace.  

 

[caption id="attachment_348" align="aligncenter" width="268" caption="My Beautiful Mother and Me"][/caption]