Tomorrow is the birthday of my first-born, Tammy – the anniversary of the day I began the greatest adventure of my life which is being a mother. Since I may not get to blog until later tomorrow evening I wanted to go ahead and post this greeting to her in case she’s able to log on in the morning from Arrowmont.
I’ve been asked several times what is the high point of my life – my greatest achievement – the kind of interview question that I’m sure I’ve asked of others. And my reply is always the same – being a mother. To some it may sound trite but there is no other endeavor in life for which you are totally unprepared and reap such phenomenal rewards – the highs and lows both are astounding. I don’t profess to be an expert, or the world’s greatest mom but Tammy once said “you’re not as mean as Becky’s mom” and that’s my motto and I’m sticking to it! I consider it a compliment when Tammy comments on children who misbehave and says “it’s obvious they weren’t raised by you, Mom.”
Of course it helps that I had great kids – they were inquisitive, love to read, learned to behave (most of the time) and even occasionally picked up their rooms – especially when I threatened to call their Nana to come help. While Tammy and I bear a strong physical resemblence, she is just as much right-brained as I am left. We do share a dry sense of humor, a love of puns, a strong tendency to be smart-asses, an intellectual bent and a penchant for shoes – and we can both blame my side of the family for the fact that we seem to constantly be battling our weight while Ralph is in the dressing room complaining that the size 0 jeans are just “a little too big”!
I’m proud of Tammy for the wonderful person she is – she is extremely talented in both jewelry-making and creative writing – has a flair for decorating and fashion that she fortunately shares with Ralph and me – she’s organized, loyal to her friends and family, honest – and like me, an introvert who is usually mistaken for an extrovert. Best of all, I am honored to call her “friend” as well as “daughter”.
Here’s to you, Tammy – Happy Birthday from your Mom who loves you for the person you are – I’m so proud of all you have achieved and thank you for giving me countless moments to wear my “proud mom” look. I love you and I miss you – hurry home safely.
Thank you for the birthday wishes and wonderful words. I know I haven’t always been the model child, but I’m glad most of the memories of the horrible things I’ve done have been replaced by good ones. And yes, you’re not as mean as Becky’s mom. Actually, you’re the kind of mom I would have probably been had I chosen the path of motherhood.
I’m glad I’ve turned out the kind of kid you can be proud of. Thanks for giving me life and teaching me how to live it to the fullest!
By: Tammy on June 26, 2007
at 12:25 pm
One of the advantages of living longer is that I’ve forgotten any of the bad memories or now they are just funny – part of our family lore. After swearing through my teens that I would never do certain things if/when I was a mom, I actually used the “what would Grammie do?” question lots when you and Ralph were growing up. Somehow I think Julia & Lydia are getting the residuals now! Of course there are still probably things I don’t know about that you did but at this point in life, who cares? What matters most is that you are proud of yourself for the wonderful person you are.
PS – you have my permission to tell your new best friend where to stick it!!!
By: keckeley on June 26, 2007
at 12:33 pm