Being the mother of a teenager is a bit like riding a roller coaster. It is certainly an adventure that comes with ups and downs – some more dramatic than others. I have a 16-year-old son who has tested me on multiple occasions. I know my love for him is deep because it does not waver, regardless of the circumstances. That doesn’t mean I haven’t raised my voice or experienced frustration, upset and worry. But I always love him and want him to be happy, healthy and successful in what brings him the greatest joy in his life. Isn’t that what every mom wants for her children? I feel very blessed to have my son in my life – he brings me a great deal of joy and pride. I am also very grateful that I have ONE child. I don’t know that I could handle more than one. That’s just me.
My mother, on the other hand, raised five children. While it was fun having four brothers and sisters (I’m the oldest), I cannot imagine what it was like for my mother to raise all of us. And she did it alone from the time I was eleven. Imagine raising five kids ages eleven, nine, eight, seven and six – alone.
When my son criticizes me because he doesn’t agree with my rules and he thinks I am ridiculous, I console myself with the thought that he might understand why I did what I did when he has kids of his own. After all, I can remember having similar thoughts when I was a teenager. As a child, I thought at times that my mother was weak, inconsistent and old fashioned. She didn’t make sense to me. I remember giving her quite a hard time on more occasions than I care to admit, not even considering the fact that I was not the only one she had to deal with. I even got angry enough to leave home and go out on my own without saying good bye. Yet, my mother always forgave me and has always been there for me.
While there were times when we struggled financially, my mother did everything she could to make sure she could pay the bills, put food on the table and get us clothes. Sometimes that meant working multiple jobs aside from the huge job she already had of raising us. She also taught us about God and planted seeds of faith in each of us. While I’m sure there were times she probably wondered if it was taking root at all, I can assure you her faith impacted all of us. I, for one, am very grateful for her example. My faith today is stronger than ever because of my mother. Her faith was built on a strong and solid foundation that was never compromised because of our situation. If anything, my mother leaned on her faith even more. She has been an inspiration to me.
It is only since I became a mother, that I began to appreciate just how much my mother did for me and my brother and sisters. My regret is that it took me so long. My mother made tremendous sacrifices for us. Her strength, courage, faith and huge heart influenced all five of us to be the best we could be. My prayer is that I am able to let her know just how much I appreciate all she has done and how much I really do love her.
That is why I want to honor my mother as part of the National Association of Mothers’ Centers Mile for Mothers – Walk a Mile in Mom’s Shoes walk on May 1st, 2010. Thank you, Mom! You are a truly amazing woman.
Well said Catherine!
thank you catherine. once again, well written, inspiring words to bring me to a place of love, acceptance and appreciation for not only my mother, but also myself as a mother.
I discovered my mother after I had kids. I can’t imagine not having had her in my life as I raised my daughters and experienced my “firsts” as a mom. I am so sad that I can’t share my newest adventure – being a grandmother – with her. I’m sure her perspective on that relationship would have been equally entertaining, and educational.
And as a fellow mom to a teenager, I feel ya!!