To My Mother: A Happy Birthday Blog

(Disclaimer: This blog is solely for my mom and I. Regardless if I get readers or not, I don’t care because this is a blog that I had to publish for my own heart. But- I hope you can get something out of it too!)

Age doesn’t guarantee maturity and being a student of life doesn’t guarantee that you are learning. Having kids doesn’t make you a mother just as much as standing in a garage doesn’t make you a car. Because bearing a child doesn’t necessarily mean that you are bearing the responsibilities of properly raising it. Don’t be confused. Starting your cycle, having a child, getting a job, or having a “man” does not make you a woman.

I have had the opportunity to witness what it is to be a woman by the example of my mother. I have watched her and followed in her footsteps for years because she has never let me down. My mom is my rock and here are five reasons why:

1. She knows who she is.

My mom is very different. She isn’t loud or knows how to get “ghetto.” She isn’t like that. Actually, she is kind of a “nerd.” Her jokes are usually corny and she has what we call her “blonde” moments. (No offense, blondes…) At our Pentecostal church, she doesn’t scream or shout to preach. But, she is a teacher using wipe boards and worksheets. When I was a kid I sometimes wished she were different when I wanted her to come up to my school and snap on my teachers after I felt wronged. But, as I grew older, I admire this about my mom. She is a quiet storm (but don’t make her too mad). She doesn’t fit the cookie-cutter image people think that she should be. She is herself and she doesn’t try to be anyone else- no matter who doesn’t like it. And, I’ve seen many people who don’t like it.

2. She is a giver and specializes in giving Godly wisdom.

She is a thinker. So, before she speaks she makes sure that she is speaking wisely. If you were to come to her house, you will witness at least 1-2 phone calls in a 5-hour span from someone looking for some type of wise counsel. I love that I don’t have to go outside of my own family to get Godly advice and loving correction. With no psychology degree, she counsels married couples, singles, mothers, and any type of person that needs assistance. And, I have witnessed substantial changes in many people’s lives after being touched by her. As much as I admire greats like Maya Angelou or Michelle Obama, I cannot say that I have met a wiser woman than my mom.

3. She admits where she is weak.

My mom knows that she is not a phenomenal chef or can sew like tailor. And, she doesn’t pretend to be. She realizes what she is good at and what she needs to work on. But, she doesn’t doubt herself any less because she isn’t great in everything. If she says something wrong or reacts to someone with a stank attitude, she admits it, corrects it, and moves on. No need to be hard on herself. She learns her lesson and keeps it moving. This shows me that being weak in areas or having weak moments doesn’t make you a weak person. Admitting your mistakes or weaknesses and moving on, makes you strong.

4. She loves unconditionally.

I have witnessed my mom take so much crap from people. If any other person were to endure some of this stuff, they would have given up a long time ago. She cares for people who have talked about her behind her back or tried to belittle her to her face. And, she can do this because she is strong. Not because she is weak. She isn’t scared or trying to people-please. She just believes in giving people second chances, if necessary. Don’t get it twisted. She doesn’t let people run over her. But, when the same people that talked about her needs a place to stay, to borrow some money, or wants some advice, she is there for them (after talking to my dad and God about it, of course). This makes me want to love better and more abundantly.

5. She gives her all to her family.

My mother will never have to worry about being taken care of when she is old. She has given life to so many children, that we all know the duties we have to make sure she has a comfortable life. Even though she gave natural birth to two children, she has over ten kids that have been had the pleasure of calling her “mom.” And, even though she has three natural grandchildren, all the children that live around our house call my mother “grandma.” She is the wife to one husband though. (Don’t get worried… lol). And, she loves that crazy (And, I mean CRAZY) man with her whole heart. We all may be begging for her attention. But, if he is in need of her- we can just sit down and wait. She knows that in order to keep her family together, she must love her husband first. Our family would not be where it is today if my mother did not do all that she has done.

My mom has survived marriage at a young age, a baby at an even younger age, the death of her best friend (her mother), raising a crazy kid, raising an expensive kid, becoming a young grandma, and so much more. And, with no degrees, awards, or recognition, she stands tall and proud of whom she has become today and who she has molded us into. My mom is first best friend and the one person that I know that will listen to my crazy career ideas, correct me with love, listen as I read all my blogs and poems, critique my outfits everyday, and surround me with love unconditionally.

I love you mom! Happy birthday!