You’ve heard me talk about my mom in my programs, and how she put a lizard in my lasagna. I have lots of other memories of my mom… I remember being a little boy and having to get my tonsils out. Going into the hospital for an overnight was scary. But, what I remember most from that experience was my first shot in the butt, which made cry—and my mom spent the night in the chair next to me so I would not be afraid. I also remember being in junior high and hiding in the closet, then jumping out to scare my mom; she faked a heart attack! My joke backfired! Or when mom would make casseroles for dinner and we would ask her, “Are there green olives in here, ’cause if there are, I will get sick!” And of course mom would say, “None.” Until I bit into one!
My mom has always had a special way of making things better, and continues to do so even as I approach 40. During hard times, my mom has prayed with me on the phone and been front row to enjoy the growth of my speaking career. She is not afraid to speak her mind and tell me to get my head out of my butt when I am not living up to my best. We all have different relationships with our moms, but I would have to say that I lucked out. While my mom still has the power to embarrass me in public, I would rather have that than not.
As time moves forward, I have learned that my mom doesn’t want jewelry, a gift certificate to the spa, or candles—but rather something more valuable than stuff. The greatest gift I can give Mom or anyone is my time. Time is one thing we can never get back. The way you spend your time tells what you value and love most in life. You have to remind yourself of that when your priorities are tested with work and everyday life. It is easy to get out of balance. But, I sure know when I call Mom, it makes her day!
As I write this, I am looking at the clock and have to get ready to head out towards Mom’s for the weekend. She is having a garage sale and got tickets to go see an Elvis impersonator. Am I excited about helping out with a garage sale and going to see an Elvis impersonator? Not exactly. But I am excited about my time with Mom and the family. Sometimes the expression of love isn’t doing what you want all the time, but doing something your mom wants to do. I used to grumble about stuff like this in my younger years and perhaps would have thought of a stellar excuse to get out of it, but life’s lessons have taught me to treasure the time and soak it up. We never really know how much time we have with someone, not just Mom, but those we love. We don’t have to honor them just once a year, but we can honor them with time and love at any moment.
If I had to be grateful for one thing about my mom, it would be her crazy sense of humor. We tend to find humor in the small things, but we find it often. I could tell you story after story. Those stories are my treasures. Happy Mother Day!
What did you do this past weekend to honor your mother, or someone else? What can you do today?
