Moms in My Life....and On My Mind

Mother's Day is right around the corner....

My 91-year-old mother-in-law has always been, and still is, my shining example of motherhood.  At this point, I think she's everyone's example.  Strong of heart, soul, and mind...Nana is a constant wonder.  Up until the last few years Nana had more energy than any of us; and I can tell in conversations that she's frustrated with having to slow down.  She loves to play bridge on occasion, and probably remembers more than I do about it.  She still tries to use the computer...e-mail mostly, and enjoys keeping updated with everyone.  She has taught our family so many valuable lessons over the years...and continues to do so as the beautiful matriarch of our family.

My daughter, Julie, is the busy mother of two terrific kids....Bella and Bastian.  I've written about them numerous times, as many of you know.  Julie is also a Women's History professor at a college in downtown New York.  She is in the process of writing a second book and is working on several other projects.  Her husband, Chris, has his own insanely busy schedule as a patent lawyer for a law firm in New York.  To say her lifestyle is hectic would be an understatement.  Like many young couples today, Julie and Chris are trying to balance it all...trying to make it work.  There are days when Julie's not so sure she's doing such a good job 'balancing.'  I DISAGREE!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               I think she and Chris are doing an AMAZING job.  I mean that.  I tell her all the time how proud I am of the job she's doing...and that I think she's a terrific mom.  I can see the sacrifices...who comes first....and what has to be done.  Sometimes hard decisions have to be made...but they are made...and those kids are always first and foremost.  Both she and Chris know what's important and never misplace their priorities.  These are busy, growing years.....fun years.....years you want to appreciate and enjoy.  I tell her that too; but thank God.....I think she already knows that.  She's a good mom.....a really good mom. And I wonder if she would ever believe that I am just as proud of the job she's doing as a mom as I am of the many credentials she has earned in her professional life....maybe even more so.

My sister-in-law, Mary, has been one of my best friends forever.  I knew as soon as my brother brought her through our front door some 40+ years ago that she was going to be someone special.  She hasn't changed at all over the years. Full of energy....funny, creative, loving, thoughtful, compassionate, patient, generous, caring, hard-working...40 years of all those same wonderful qualities. How lucky am I that my one and only brother chose such a beautiful person for his lifemate.  How lucky are we all?  I feel especially fortunate that my children have had Mary as their Aunt.  She's just always been there for them....like a second mom.  Mary's planning a wedding for this fall.  My niece, Heather, will be getting married...and we all will be going to Wisconsin for the big day.  With all the weddings Mary has happily attended...it will finally be her turn to be the proud mother of the bride.

It's almost two years ago since my mom passed away.  Her last Mother's Day was a sad one....languishing in a place that she hated and prayed she'd never-ever have to spend her final days in.  It was the saddest Mother's Day I can remember.  I hope all of our moms who are no longer with us are walking in fields of flowers, basking in beauty as far as the eye can see......knowing only love...pure joy.....and peace. 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the lovely ladies out there.....

   

Comments

[Julie]

Man Lady. It's very weird to read a post and know you're talking right to me!! It's all ironic because everyone you talked about would tell you that you're the best mom EVER. You are the most unconditionally maternal person I'll ever know. You don't have to work at it like I do--it's your core Lady! You've devoted your life to us, and we all know it and try to live our lives in gratitude--what we accomplish and what we are is a reflection of you!

Love you,
Julie

[Denise]

Happy Mother's Day, Joy.

YOU are a great mom. I know this because you FEEL like a mom of course all of those stories Jory has told about you don't hurt.

:-)

[cassie-b]

How wonderful to have such memorable women in your family. And I'm certain that you are a great mother and friend as well.

And I'd like to wish you a very happy Mother's Day.
Cas

[Liz]

That's a beautiful tribute to all those moms. But you left one out! I'm sure Julie would say she's what she is because of you! Oh, look, she has!

[Val]

There is just absolutely NOTHING better in this world than having your own Mom tell you what a great Mom YOU are. To your 91-yr old MIL, I bow to her and say Bless her heart. What a rich life she has had! Look at all the changes she's lived through. She has such a wealth of information within....could you ever interest her in dictating stories to you? I so wish I had done this with my 94 yr old grandmother before she died. My own Mom, sad to say, has been gone for 25 years now. There is not one single day that I don't miss her. She was my best friend as well as my Mom and my heart aches for her. So many time when I glance at myself in the mirror, I see her looking back at me. It takes my breath away.
This is a beautiful post written by a true Mom who is obviously loved deeply. This is what its all about, Joy. Hugs!

[Winston]

That first comment by Julie has to be the best possible Mama's Day gift you could have. You're one lucky Mom...

Happy Mother's Day, Joy!

[kenju]

Happy Mother's Day!

[Troy]

Happy Mother's Day!

[Peggy]

Happy Mother's Day Joy!

[Merle]

Dear Joy ~~ A beautiful tribute to the Moms in your life and Julie's comment was so lovely. our regular readers know how sweet and kind you are as we share is your life from afar. I enjoyed seeing both my sons over the weekend and enjoyed Mothers Day but wish my daughter lived closer. I hope your day was beautiful dear Joy. Your mother-in-law sounds wonderful.
Take care my friend, Love,Merle.

[buffy]

Merle has certainly said it for us all....this is an incredible tribute to your family. I find it amazing that your comments covered both the vertical and horizontal relationships on your genealogy tree. So often we think of our mothers or our daughters on this day, but your praises passed the bounds of marriage to encompass ALL the wonderful women in your life.

Congratulations on nurturing such a lovely family, Joy! I'm wishing you a "Happy Mother's Day" today, although you deserve it every day of the year!

[BearNaked]

Joy,may you and all the other Mothers in your life have a wonderful Mother's Day today.

[storyteller]

What a lovely tribute to all the ‘mothers’ in your family. I hope you fully enjoyed celebrating Mother’s Day with YOUR family this year ;--)
Hugs and blessings,

[joared]

Really nice tributes to all the really great Moms in your family and them to you. Pictures of cute little redheads always catch my eye, too! (Yeah, I'm prejudiced in favor of redheads.)

[twilite]

Hi Joy! My belated mother's day joys to you. Some wonderful words to mums at different stages of life. Do have a great weekend. LOL.