Mother's Day

Here's what I am certain of, Good Luck=Preparedness meeting Opportunity.
Mother's around the world spend the bulk of their life teaching their children to be prepared. The moment a child is born, their mother begins to teach. Mother's teach their children how to nurse, what sounds get the fastest response and that sleeping is very, very important. Mother's teach comfort to their children, holding them close, gently bathing them in warmth and light. Mother's teach love.
I have always considered myself to be lucky. My life's work has been about preparation for those I spend the most time with. When I was a nurse, working hospice, I helped prepare the patient and the family for each phase of their illness, up to and including the final passing of the one they love. Ironically, for me, it was the mother most often. I would console husbands, sisters, brothers and children, as they watched their beloved family member slowly drift from this world into the next.
As a mother I have spent my entire adult life preparing my children for their own lives and living free and independent of me. "Be the boy scout", I would tell them. I have advised them on academics, religion, relationships, jobs, and personal growth. I have encouraged my children to be themselves with little worry about what others expect, even me. Their lives aren't about what I want, it's about what they want and who they are as individuals. The most important lesson I have tried my children has been about how to keep organized and prepared for any and all opportunities that may come their way. Regret comes from chaos.
My own mother continues to teach me how to grow older gracefully, either by example of what she got right or by advice of what she feels she could have done better. I soak up what my mother has to say like a sponge. It is in that way I honor her life's work every moment I draw breath. I don't always do what my mother says exactly as she would do things, but that isn't isn't the greater point. She knows I heard her and am paying attention, and for her, it's all she ever really wanted anyway. It is the same for me. It isn't so much that my kids do what I say exactly as I say it, but rather that they listen and interpret it the way that is best for them. They honor me by being true to who they are and living happy, full lives.
For every mother who has spent sleepless nights worrying for their child(ren), for every misstep that led to greater understanding, for every lesson taught because of hard earned experiences, for every time she nagged, reminded, and cajoled her child(ren) to do the right thing, know that your life's work is not in vain. Your children are your greatest achievement, not because of their personal accolades, but rather because of the expansion of your heart.
As everyone prepares to celebrate Mother's Day in one way or another, be it by cakes and gifts, flowers to a graveyard, or a telephone call just to hear each others voices, I wish you all a wonderful and loving day. For those of you, whose mothers have passed on, just know that she is with you. Every time you think of her, it is her way of letting you know she is with you and continues to love you. Today is a wonderful day to celebrate just how lucky we have been to have mothers who care so very much.