My mom's goal in life was to be a good mother. I never realized how good she was until I became an adult and met people with mothers who didn't do the things she did, the things I never thought about.My mom loved me unconditionally. She thought I was a genius. She thought I was beautiful. She thought I was the most special thing G-d ever created. I never believed these things about myself but always tried to be the best I could to make her happy.
My mom wasn't perfect but, no one is perfect. But, she was as close as you get to perfection. As a child I didn't appreciate the two hour rides to City College that got me speech therapy. I hated the rummaging around in Alexander's, finding that perfect bargain dress. I hated her forcing me to drink that glass of milk every morning. But, as an adult, I am grateful and thankful for all these things. I've met too many others whose mom's didn't care enough to even try.
I'm not sure I believe she knows what I am saying or thinking now. She died six years ago, but I know. My mom made me who I am today. I only hope my own children think I was, and am, as good a mother to them as she was to me.
(Picture from a Passover Seder. Passover is the time of year I miss her the most.)
