Miracles of Motherhood

Rachel Sharon Anderson

Miracles of Motherhood

In my mind today I'm thankful for miracles big and small. The miracle that I'm still here and so are my siblings is one I'm truly grateful to have. I am so blessed of the miracle of my mom, Rachel, who loves us unconditionally. She always led by example and no matter the influences in our lives, good or bad, her children tried to take the higher road. She wove strong moral fiber in each one of us. We stumble but we help each other get back up. That's another miracle. We always have someone to call when we are down and out, my siblings. My mom never took pleasure in tearing others down. She always built the people around her up. She's a straight shooter. If you don't want the truth, don't ask her. She's so real. She didn't care about what others thought. She knew "putting on airs" was silly. People should like you for who you are not what you look like or have. She's like that vine that puts off good shoots. The home and love that Rachel built will supersede her life and hopefully ours by the love and care she gave her "shoots."

Being a mother in itself is a miracle. Here's a miracle. Each living human has a mother. They are the vessel in which we arrive to the earth. If you are a mother, you have been given such an honorable position. Don't take it for granted. You don't need titles or money to be a great mother. I learned from the best how to be a good mother. Here's the secret. When your children are new, 0-5 years, nurture them by looking in their eyes while you feed them. Cuddle and rock them even when everything else around you is falling down around you. Chores don't disappear. Don't we wish. Talk, listen, and play with them. My mom never said, "Not now. Go in the living room and just sit there and be quiet!" She literally lit up when she saw any of her children. She still lights up even today. You should, too. I loved it when my mom would color with me and listen to me. Because of that, I was the best colorer in Kindergarten. This girl stayed in the lines! I felt treasured. My mom knew that this time was precious and short.

When school arrives, ages 5-12, be in the know with your child's academic life. Ask them about their day. Read the books and textbooks that they have. Know their friends and teachers. Help them love school and show the people associated with school that they are appreciated and important. I remember that my mom made sure my bus driver, Mr. Cigar, got at least candy bar or small treat at Christmas. I remember hiding when one of my favorite teachers of all time, Ms. Nancy Boals, opened my gift to her. It was just a box of Kleenex so I hid while she opened gifts. She said, "Sarah, thank you! I'm going to need these." My heart swelled because Ms. Boals treasured me and understood the gift was from the heart.

Here come the hard years, ages 13-18. My mom didn't waiver. She still asked about school and my day. I can hear her saying, "Sarah Anne, if you put in a little more effort you could make all A's." She was right. These years are full of hormones, first loves, and growing pains. She knew my friends. She knew when I was messing up. She would snoop in my things and snatch me when I needed snatching. She could give the FBI a run for their money. She didn't need to shine a blinding light in my eyes. I could never lie to her. She would lay on my bed at night and talk to me about everything from questions about sex, drugs, peer pressure, acceptance, my friends and enemies, schoolwork, and sports. She would clip Dear Abbey articles and we would read them together. She even wrote Dear Abbey once and gave me a pamphlet from Ann Landers on surviving high school. I could tell her anything and still can. Our relationship grew as I did. I'm still learning from her.

If you're a mom, I hope this helps. If you are lucky and still have a mom on this side of heaven, let her know you love her. I was granted a miracle of an amazing mother. Most are. If you have a bumpy relationship with your mother, mend it. I know as a mother myself we do the best we can. It may not be your heart's desire but it's our best. Promise. It's that time of year to show mothers that they are truly one of the biggest miracles of all. Be sure to hug your mom and tell her what a miracle she is this Mother's Day.

Sarah Anderson Alley

Quotes of the Day:

"You are no better than anyone else, but remember no one else is better than you either."

"You are only as good as your word. Don't say anything you can't follow through."

"Get your education. It's the way to a better life."

"Stand up straight Sarah Anne! Be proud to be tall."

Rachel Sharon Permenter Anderson

Dedicated to my amazing mother.