Share the Love
As a child, I can remember my friends wanting to be adopted by my parents. Despite the mayhem of seven kids running around, and my parents figuring out, day-by-day, how to manage such a large brood, our home was a welcoming haven for all.
Mom has always had an open door policy. Friends were always welcome to come and go. Strangers or neighbors who had no place else to be would join us for holiday meals. And this goes for animals, too. At one time, we had our own sanctuary of sorts, including rabbits, hamsters, canaries, cats, dogs, and ducks.
Friends would refer to my mom June Cleaver, as she could almost always be found in the kitchen, putting groceries away, coming up with creative dinner ideas to feed so many, or making pudding for us to have as a snack after school — all while wearing a skirt and heels.
To this day, you can find the neighborhood dog in her home if she finds her out in the cold or rain, or her living room filled with my niece’s bridal party as they have their hair and makeup done.
Today is my mother’s 78th birthday (seriously, how gorgeous is she?!), and as I look back over the years, I see all the gifts she has given me and how much her influence is apparent in the ways I show up in the world. I have her to thank for my:
- Sensitive spirit
- Deep love and affection for animals and their safety
- Empathy and compassion for others
- Generous heart
- Kindness and understanding of others’ struggles
- Intuitive gifts
Because of this, my mother’s impact goes far beyond her kids and her community. Every person each of us seven kids touches is a direct result of her loving nature.
I’m sure you have someone who has made a significant impact in your life. It might be a parent, sibling, teacher, friend, boss, employee, or service provider. Who pops into your head as you read that last sentence? Have you ever expressed to him or her what they have meant or mean to you?
My challenge to you this week is to send a note or make a call to that person letting him or her know how you feel. I’ll be celebrating with my Mom tonight and will most certainly remind her of how much I love and appreciate her.
I want to hear about your special person and the role he or she has played in your life. Please share with me in the comments below!
Your Mom is beautiful, just like you. And she is amazing to raise such successful, kind, and caring daughters. I sure hope she knows what a great role model she is through you, Kerri. Happy times tonight.
Thanks so much, Jan, for your lovely comment! Someday my mother will believe me when I tell her how special she is. 🙂