5 Lessons I've Learned from Mom

With Mother's Day here, I have been reflecting on my bond with Mom and the lessons she has taught me through the years.

We had a rough beginning...

 Mom had a normal pregnancy, and everything was fine up until my actual arrival. Then the situation became somewhat scary and uncertain. Mom had a reaction to the Xylocaine epidural and went into convulsions. The doctor had to pull me out with forceps, which meant I didn’t have time to read the instructions on my way down the chute. I missed the fine print on needing to breathe immediately.

 One doctor worked on reviving Mom, while another one worked on saving me. Luckily, a pediatrician specialist was just leaving the hospital and was called back to try to get me breathing. Perhaps it wasn’t a coincidence that the specialist was there at that particular moment. He was probably one of the angels sent to save me that day. It was touch and go for a while. Dad nearly lost both of us.

  I definitely would not have held my breath for six minutes had I known what hassles it would cause for the rest of my life. Talk about learning from experience. You would think the first lesson for a newborn would be somewhat easier!

(Excerpted from I'll Do It Myself)

But, because of that, we have enjoyed a special bond through the years. I have learned much from her:

1. There is no such word as can't. In our home, can't was a four-letter word. I was encouraged me to try. Of course, performing brain surgery and running a marathon weren't viable options for me; with everything else, I was expected to try. Once I attempted the task with sincere effort and found I couldn't do it alone, Mom didn't have any qualms about helping me or finding another way around so that I could do it alone.
2. Always do your best. How can people eepect more than your best?
3. Always say thank you, of course, and if the words won't come in that moment, smile. Sometimes with my speech, "Thank you" doesn't always come out clearly. A smile is a suitable alternative.
4. If you have something nice to say, particularly about a person, then don't say anything at all. Sometimes that is hard to do!
5. You might not have what you want, but you always have what you need. I remind myself of that on tough days, to be grateful for what I do have and that my true needs are met.
6. Look on the bright side. Mom is a great believer in thinking positively. No point dwelling on the negative.

Thank you, Mom, I love you. Happy Mother's Day.