My mom had a way with words. She’d say, “Sure, must be nice having a ‘maid’!”
When it rained, her voice would echo through the house, “The clothes!” And when it was time to eat, she’d shout, “Dinner’s ready!”—but, of course, we all conveniently ignored her.
She’d remind me, “With you by my side, nothing hurts.”
“As long as you live under this roof, my rules apply!” was another one of her signature phrases.
If she was angry, she’d use my full name, and that’s when I knew I was in trouble.
She even gave me a crash course in dental care: “Talk back again, and I’ll knock those teeth right out!”
She taught me to save: “Hold on to those tears for when I’m gone.”
And she introduced me to logic: “What’s for dinner? Food, of course!”
She didn’t forget math either: “When we get home, we’ll balance the books.”
And she made sure I knew there’s a God who can do anything. For these reasons and countless others, I love my mom.
We might think they’re a bit much at times, but those little old ladies would lay down their lives for us.
Letter From A Mother To A Daughter
My dear girl,
The day you see I’m getting older, please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, do not interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago” … Just listen, please. Try to remember the moments when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.
If I do not want to take a bath, do not be angry, and do not embarrass me. Do you remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?
When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and do not look at me that way. Remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair, and dealing with life’s issues every day. The day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If I sometimes lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can not, do not be nervous, impatient, or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.
And when my old, my tired old legs do not let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.
When those days come, don’t feel sad… just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.
I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you, my darling daughter.
“It’s a special bond that spans the years.
Through laughter, worry, smiles, and tears.
A sense of trust that can’t be broken, a depth of love sometimes unspoken,
A life long friendship built on sharing,
Hugs and kisses, warmth and caring,
Mother and daughter their hearts as one.
A link that can never be undone.”
