Written by Thank you to Mom’s, everywhere! We wouldn’t be here without you!!
Had an enjoyable day with my wife and mother-in-law. We went to lunch and then walked around McKinley park and the rose garden. We too stopped into a very cool cactus and succulents garden show at the art center to review and purchase some very cool cacti for our yard. It was a nice afternoon and I hope the mom’s in my direct family (and all others in our Dojo family, too!) enjoyed themselves.
Mother’s day has for a long time had a tinge of sadness for me; my mother passed away when I was 8.5 years old. I have a lot of memories of her, though. She was loving, provided me care and comfort, taught me right from wrong, guided and nurtured me. Until the very afternoon she left this existence, she would be there the moment I got home from school with a snack ready for me; we’d talk about the day and the comfort and security I felt in her presence was immense. I miss her always but on mother’s day I miss her even more.
I vividly remember having this cloth poster on my wall with a poem by Dorothy Law Nolte – Children Learn What They Live (picture is the same one I had). I remember my mom talking to me about these and that it was there to also remind her–that parents are not handed a “raising physically and mentally healthy children” handbook. (And my being a father and parent, totally get it!) I share this because my mom, even though she was in my life for a short time, is very much a part of me today. Almost all that is good in me is attributable to her love, guidance and nurturing she provided me in my youngest and formidable years. Furthermore, my sister who is 4 years younger than I (and was 4 when our mother passed away) is very much like my mom which is very much a blessing; my mother’s memory lives on even though she is no longer here with us.
I wanted to spar today with Dirk-san but my hand is still healing from the break and my doctor cautioned me to take it easy for at least another few weeks or I’ve a high likelihood of breaking it again. Plus, I wondered to myself, “Would Mom approve of me sparring on Mother’s day?” That was enough to settle it and get on with the day in honoring her memory.
