An Ode to My Mom (Things I Love About Her and Learned from Her)

I love that she’s a teacher and that she’s my first.

She taught me the value of words, written or spoken.

How those words have power.

How they come to life through books,

written letters and a simply written card.

I love my memories of her fairy tales,

my excitement in hearing it before I go to bed.

I can still recall the lullaby she sang with so much conviction.

Some words mysterious, in the most melancholic and heart-breaking melody

that left me no choice but drift in dreamy land.

I love how she taught me good manners,

how to properly sit at a table using proper utensils,

and how to say the magic words.

The importance of acknowledging a gift regardless of value

or favor someone has given through a properly written card.

I love her emphasis on handwriting.

How she introduced me to the world of art

even without fancy museums,

by simply providing me with crayons to color, pencils to draw,

and paper to illustrate my endless imagination on.

I love how she showed me kindness by being kind,

generosity by being generous.

To value someone’s time by being punctual and present.

I love that she taught me loyalty and faithfulness,

and how there is a God I can turn to no matter how cruel the world can be.

I love how I learned that physical beauty is superficial.

How there is substance in education and intelligence.

How cleanliness and fitness matter;

and her long discourse on self-sufficiency and independence

despite who I choose to be with.

Today on her very special day,

I honor her with these very simple words.

Thank you, Mama for everything I learned!

I love you,

because you’re you!

My Mama on her college graduation photo.

Tags: Mom, Mother, Mama, Happy Mother's Day 2018, Mom Tribute