Jory Fisher with Twin Daughters Jana (L) and Brett (R) Circa 1993
March 9, 2013
Dear Mom,
I originally just wanted to write you a private note.
But then I decided I wanted the whole world to know.
As many people as possible.
All of the good that you have done for me and the joy and beauty you have brought, instilled, nurtured and tended in my life: all that which one can never ask for or expect, but for which their lives have been immeasurably blessed.
You taught me to be independent, to not give up in the face of adversity or people saying no.
You taught me it’s okay to be flexible and to follow my dreams, no matter what obscure corners they may lead to.
You taught me to be kind and have empathy on those around me.
You taught me to care for all of God’s creatures and to see beauty in the small things around me, whether it be the blush of a rose or the soft velvet of a rabbit’s ear.
You taught me it’s okay to have spunk and a funky personality: that is perfectly okay to “follow the beat of my very own drum.” You never pushed me to fit any mold or be anything or anyone else but me.
You taught me to laugh.
You taught me to smile and find humor in the flippancies and quirks of life.
You taught me to seek God and have faith, even when I’m not sure of all the answers myself; you demonstrate to me every day the importance of the journey and the search.
You taught me to challenge that which I saw as wrong; you taught me to never be a silent witness in the face of evil.
You taught me to be a citizen of the whole world, and not just the small corner I happen to call home.
You taught me to care for others.
You taught me to struggle past the status quo, even when it hurts; you taught me to push myself beyond ordinary to truly realize the beauty and potential of God’s creation in me.
You taught me the importance of honesty.
You personified integrity and purpose in all of your actions.
You taught me to work hard.
You taught me the beauty of languages and the opportunities that await us when we cross beyond the borders of our comfort.
You taught me humility.
You taught and encouraged in me a sense of adventure; you let me spread my wings to soar and perhaps to fall even when your own heart was probably clenched with fear.
You taught me the importance of being kind to all people and reminding them how special they are.
You taught me someone’s station, race, or place in life does not determine the color of their heartbeats.
You never, ever, ever taught me any hint of racism, sexism, religion-ism… you taught me the beauty of an open mind and an accepting heart.
You breathed to life in me from the flickering spark of possibility and inherited genes a fighting spirit that will never say die, a spirit that drives me forward each day.
You taught me to be the passionate, strong-willed and fanciful creature that I am, for I follow in your footsteps; the cold reality of the ground may not always bind us, but my God how the sear of heaven’s sun tinges and inflames our souls.
You taught me loyalty.
You taught me the importance of our roots; the families we always return to and the heritages we carry forward into the future.
You taught… me to be me. Everything that is good; everything that is right; everything that you admire in me and seek to encourage; I tell you that this comes from you. A child is the product of her parents and the values they instill in her; without your basis and foundation, I could never be half of what I am today, and for that I thank you and bless your footsteps; you have given me such a multitude, abundance and bounty of gifts such as I can never hope to repay.
Happy Birthday, Mom.
Love,
Brett
Note from Jory: Brett posted this beautiful message on my Facebook Timeline on March 9th and asked that I also share it on my website. She is studying in Oman this semester and, it seems, is missing her mommy just a tad. 🙂
LOVE YOU, BRETTIE! I miss you too!
Brett, my love,
You light up my life. Before giving birth to you and Jana and Becca, I had no idea that being a mother could be so rewarding, so fulfilling, so FUN. If I did nothing else in life but instill in you and your sisters what you have described above, I would know I had completed my most important assignment here on earth.
May you continue to soar onward and upward, my lovely child. You. Are. Magnificent.
With devotion and joy,
Mommy
Dear Jory,
Sorry I missed your birthday. Congratulations on reaching another milestone in your life! You are just as young and vibrant today as you look in the picture with your twin daughters. Wishing you many blessings as you go forward with your very vital mission.
Lorraine
Oh Lorraine, you are such a love. Thank you, my friend!!!!
Happy we’re on earth at the same time. 🙂
Hugs,
Jory
Hi Jory,
Happy Belated Bday. This was a touching letter from your daughter. Thanks for sharing and I hope you still celebrating like a rockstar! 🙂
Take Care
Ani
Ani, what a sweet comment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Oh yes, still celebrating! Life is good. Life is GREAT!
Hugs,
Jory
Jory,
As a mother of an amazing daughter myself, when I read the wonderfully expressed love letter from Brett, it made me smile warmly and become teary eyed. But as I sat, the reality of the wide spread impact you have had on everyone that knows you and Brett and ALL those that Brett knows and will know. Just as with those of us in DMC your joy and unconditional love has spread through the ranks of the organization; so has it through your circle of family and friends, and on to Brett’s friends and their families. Great is the love of the Lord and even greater the impact when one of His dispenses it within His kingdom. Your Lord and Father are pleased, and that is what it is all about! Thanks Brett for sharing your Mom with all of us…. everyday!
Oh Jane!!!!!!! As I pause and contemplate your message, I am in awe to think that God is using a person like me, with all of my faults and shortcomings, to represent Him in this world. As I pause and contemplate your message, I am reminded of my “essence” which was revealed to me through the True Purpose process. Thank you for taking the time to read beautiful Brett’s beautiful tribute and for honoring me with your kind and gracious words.
You are such an inspiration to me!
Love,
Jory
Jory crying with joy and love at your daughters words and your reply …..nothing like a mothers love x from Denise in England x
What a sweet comment. Thank you so very much. Means a lot to me!!!!!!