Dedicated to Mom

Here is a paper I wrote in honor of my beautiful, wonderful, compassionate, hard-working, patient, loving, amazing mother:

The crisp air whipped my hair playfully around my head and nipped gently at the tip of my nose, signaling that my favorite time of year had arrived once again. Yesterday, our traditional Thanksgiving meal was spent with my father’s side of the family in Washington, Illinois in the basement of the same quaint, old church. A bounty of delicious casseroles, warm rolls, buttery mashed potatoes, roasted turkey and ham, and endless deserts filled the plates of all present. Family members from four generations engaged in light-hearted conversation, sharing the numerous, exciting events that had occurred since our last gathering. Eventually, we would all part our separate ways, but with the assured hope that we would soon see each other again with the next approaching holiday.

Immediately upon returning home, my mother and I unearthed our comfy, flannel pajamas buried deep within our closets. We were quickly donned head to toe in our coziest night clothes, a sure sign that the winter chill had finally arrived. Snuggling under fleece blankets, we went to sleep early, our dreams filled with big plans for the next morning. Long before the sun was awake, our alarm clocks were ringing and we were bustling around the house, preparing for the long day ahead. It was Black Friday, and the die-hearted bargain shoppers rushed to stores in hopes of finding the best deals of the year. We jumped into the car with our purses secured firmly on our shoulders and mugs of steaming caffeinated beverages clutched in our hands. It was 3:00 in the morning when our adventure first began at Kohl’s. After hours of fast-paced power shopping and the longest lines I have ever seen in my entire life, we had accomplished our shopping mission, our trunk piled high with bags of presents for everyone on our lists. We were exhausted from the strenuous activity of pushing through crowds, carrying heavy bags filled with our purchases, and bending high and low to search the store shelves for the best bargains we could find. We pulled into Bob Evans before the sun had peaked over the horizon and were soon seated in an inviting booth, looking through the breakfast menu. While sipping our second round of coffee and tea and waiting for our orders to arrive, we discussed our shopping success and giggled like young girls about how much of a steal we had gotten on each of our purchases.

While I sat in the booth and energetically chatted away, I realized how much I loved getting to spend this one-on-one time with my mom. Even though our age barrier is significant, it felt as though we were simply two young women enjoying an adventurous shopping trip together. I have always been very lucky to share such a close relationship with my mother. We often see directly eye-to-eye on everything from the simplest details to the most significant issues. I think one of the most flattering comments I have ever received is being told that I am just like my mother. Though we do have occasional disagreements, we never hold grudges over small misunderstandings or clash over tremendous issues. I confide in her as if she is my best friend, sharing every dream, hope, frustration, sadness, or insignificant thought with her. Whenever I need to talk, she is eager to listen. She hears every word that I have to say, comforting my disappointments and celebrating my joys. She willingly shares her priceless wisdom with me whenever I need guidance, yet knows when I must make a decision on my own. As I evaluate the origins of my personality, I have been surprised to discover how many of my own character traits I share with my mother. She has been my steadfast role model, my most trustworthy companion, my unwavering encourager, and my biggest cheerleader. There is no other woman who I would rather emulate than her. She has confronted so many devastating struggles and persevered through each one of them, emerging even stronger than before. When the world has crashed down around her, she still manages to carry a breathtaking elegance that defies all logic. Her beauty is genuine and exudes from deep within her heart. The humility and grace she possesses naturally draws others toward her, and I have seen so many people comforted by her loving spirit and uplifting words. She has an incredible capability to find hope in the midst of despair and has given healing to countless broken spirits. Her faith in the Lord is unshakable and her passion to serve God is unwavering. I am so proud to be the daughter of such a beautiful woman of God.