May 4, 2020
HONORING MOM
There are a few women that have had an impact on my life, and of course, my mother has got to be #1. She taught me so many useful life skills when I was growing up, like there’s always two sides to every story, and it’s ok if something didn’t turn out the way you planned as long you tried your best. She also taught me practical things – do a little cleaning every day, so you never have to spend an entire day cleaning and always start your clothes shopping in the back of the store where the sales are. She taught me to be responsible for my actions, as I learned one time after throwing a tantrum at a friend’s house when I insisted I was staying the night, and everyone (including my friend) just stood by watching. Later, back at home, my mom, dad, and brother went to the playground without me, and when they returned, I had to call my friend’s mom and apologize for my actions – talk about humiliating! Everything she did for me was done out of love and to see me succeed in my own life.
When I was first married I relied a lot on her advice – Where is the best place to put in a garden? How do I season an iron skillet? Since we have had a great relationship throughout the years, I now find myself asking her opinion less and relying on what I know she would say. For example, “You feel guilty because you weren’t completely honest with that person, so tomorrow you need to go and tell them the truth.” Or, “I can’t save that house plant for you, it’s never going to come back to life, just throw it away” (Sorry mom, we both know I didn’t inherit your green thumb!).
She is also teaching me new things all the time, like that the fact that natural deodorant is best for your health as the chemicals in other deodorants cause hormone disruption. And to make a vinegar/baking soda/water solution to wash fresh fruits and vegetables in (ok, so I did know this for a while, it just took some time for me to put it into practice).
I can trust her with every part of my life because she’s my mother, and she cares about the things that are important to me. I am so grateful that I am able to talk to her anytime I want, and she’s always willing to listen. I am blessed to have a wonderful relationship with my mother, and I’m sure she feels the same way about me! Happy Mother’s Day, mom!
Standing Together,
Amber Barkefelt