Inspiration Station

Despite prediction of a mid-March snow shower, Spring is here in all her glory.

As we begin each new season, I'm reminded of Mom who found beauty and potential in every day of the year.

Mom loved flowers of any kind - especially the bulb flowers of Spring.

Mom died suddenly on May 7th, 2010, just days before Mother's Day and her 83rd birthday. I would have never been ready to say goodbye to my best friend. Today, I am, at least, grateful she did not suffer for even an instant.

To me, Mom was ageless. While I acknowledge a physical decline in her last few years, mostly related to Parkinson's Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis, mentally Mom was "sharp as a tack".

Despite the personal sacrifice of giving up a college education to marry and raise four children, Mom was the best Mother I have ever known. She was totally "present" for us, through every phase of our lives, "the good times and the bad". She only asked that "we do our best".

Mom always predicted that I would be a nurse or a teacher. Right again! I have done a bit of both in the course of my lifetime.

In both arenas, I have seen many children and adults who have "never quite felt good enough". I try, whenever possible, to stress the individual's strengths and positive attributes to begin with; and we all have them! I find that, when people are comfortable enough to open up, their insecurity may, in fact, stem back to their childhood, from home or school.

Consider this...

"...everyone has special talents, and it is our duty to find them and use them well."
John Templeton

As for me, I was so blessed to have the kind of Mom who wrote me these powerful words in a Journal, given to her by me in 2002:

"My hopes and dreams and wishes for you then... I wanted you to be a happy, carefree little girl with no worries beyond being sure that your teddy bear was in your bed at night. I wanted you to be exposed to any learning experience, since you always had so much curiosity and needed to know "why", your favorite word.

"And now... And now, I want you to have true peace and real happiness. You already have the foundation with a husband, pets and a home, bringing you love, companionship and contentment. I want you to slow down and do things just for yourself instead of always duty and chores."

I believe these comforting, nurturing and maternal words are universal for anyone who is in need of a Mother's love.

From a Friend - Remember Me

When Mom died, a dear friend gave me this poem which I keep close by - reading often through the seasons of each year:

Remember me when the flowers bloom
Early in the spring
Remember me on sunny days
In the fun that summer brings

Remember me in the fall
As you walk through leaves of gold
And in the wintertime - remember me
In the stories that are told

But most of all remember
Each day - right from the start
I will be forever near
For I live within your heart

(written by Judith Karen Bulock)

Mom will live forever in my heart. She will forever be a guide and an inspiration.

Sharing a song that reminds me of the opportunities we have to make each day - the best day ever (Andy's life motto)

Cat Stevens: Morning Has Broken

Today and every day, I wish you peace, acceptance of yourself and appreciation of the promise of each day.

Until next month, be happy and well, mar

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