How fortunate I feel every day. Especially today, May 8, 2011.
My youngest daughter Brett (youngest by four minutes) is about to complete her plebe year at the U.S. Naval Academy. My “middle” daughter Jana (Brett’s twin sister) is flying home as I write, inwardly pleased with her awesome GPA as a freshman at SMU and ready for a well-deserved break. And my oldest daughter Becca is winding up her first year as a bilingual teacher with Teach For America in inner-city Dallas. All girls purposeful. All girls determined to make a positive difference. All girls a special blessing to their mama. Happy Mother’s Day indeed!
Even as I think about how amazing my daughters are, I pay special tribute to my own mom, Josephine Ellen Hingson (1920-1999), and to the thousands of other military wives and mothers who aren’t able to live out their purpose with joy.
A war-time bride and mother, Mom lived in the shadow of my father’s exemplary naval career. She never “found” herself, much less her purpose. It’s fair to say she hated her life even though she loved her family with all her heart and soul. My daughters and I are so fortunate that we are free to explore why we’re here on earth and to serve others as we feel led. Mom couldn’t or Mom didn’t. I’ll never know for sure. I just know I was raised by a woman who struggled to make sense of life…a life that took her husband away from her for months and months at a time….a life that included orders to move to locations that never would have made her “bucket list”… a life she tried to escape, several times.
I’m so sorry, Mom. I didn’t understand.
But I know you’re happy now. Laughing your wonderful laugh and smiling your beautiful smile. May you sing and dance and paint forever and ever! With Dad at your side.
I love you, Mom. Happy Mother’s Day.
Patty Jones says
A most beautiful tribute. My mom choose to live her life through my dad. He has had his heavenly reward for 15 years, my mom at 89 years now lives her life through her four daughters. She knows no other way, sad but loving.
I pay a special tribute to all those mom’s who gave up their life for husbands and family. It is a day gone by to never come this way again.
Thanks for reminding me how special my mom is to me.
Patty
Jory says
Thank you for your thoughtful, loving comment, Patty. Many a mother has done just that….lived vicariously through their husband and children. I pray your mom’s life continues to be rich and meaningful.
And yours as well!
Blessings to you,
Jory