When I dreamed up this crazy idea, I assumed I would go first or last in telling my story. When I sent out the text about the idea, I even told Whitney that I would probably go last but then started to think I may should go first to kick it off.
Then, Brandy sent over her notes that night. Duh, it’s how she’s always been.
Brandy has been my best friend since we were five years old.
You may recall she even introduced me to Russ (and my ex-boyfriend but that’s another story)…
She is steady. She is consistent. She is truly THE most thoughtful person I know.
I am a better person because I have gone through life with Brandy.
* * * * *
I’ve been told numerous times that my daughter acts just like her mother. Sometimes this comment follows an act of kindness observed of my precious, angelic, four-year-old darling, and my heart beams. Other times the comment comes on the heels of a sassy, eye-rolling, huffing outburst from my bossy, defiant, thinks-she’s-grown preschooler, and embarrassment rushes over me.
This comment has provided me the opportunity to reflect upon my own mother, and what a tough job she had raising me!
(Side note: She’s still shaping me. Just because children get older, it doesn’t mean a parent’s job is finished.
Parenting phases change, but a parent’s work never ends.)
The fun side of parenting involves all the intrinsic rewards associated with watching your child develop and excel in every phase of life. From her very first step to her first dance recital, the joy associated with watching my Tootiebug thrive, being in her element—it’s elating. The tougher side of parenting is not losing my cool when that same sweet child acts a fool.
I can’t help but imagine all the challenging days my mom endured with me! I’d describe myself as politely bossy. I’m good at telling people what to do in a nice manner, and equally good at pouting when I don’t get my way. I’ve seen this trait in my daughter, and my mom most likely remembers it all too well when she thinks of me when I was my daughter’s age.
When I think of how she dealt with me, her stubborn, independent daughter, it encourages me to have patience; to focus on what is important to my girl, the root cause of her aggravation. Never once do I recall my mother getting frustrated with me for doing things my way.
She gave me the space to be who I was and do whatever it was I set my mind to, all while gently curbing my know-it-all demeanor. She’s a gem for many reasons, but I’m so thankful she didn’t break my spirit as Dr. James Dobson writes about. I doubt she read anything like How to Raise a Strong-Willed Child.
I’m sure it was through lots of prayer (and phone calls to her mom and sister) that she navigated the waters I was constantly rippling.
She’s my greatest example of patience, then and now.
She has taught me to do just like Romans 12:12 instructs: be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.
I’m in awe of how she extends grace and an unbelievable amount of patience to her granddaughter.
MiMi doesn’t get flustered at the first sight of a meltdown, never raises her voice, or appears bothered by a colossal mess.
Instead, she’s there kindly nudging her spirited granddaughter to make wise decisions, and making a profound impact on both of us with her unfailing love and endless compassion.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mimi!
* * * * *
Mimi helped raise me, too. And I’m so thankful for her influence in my life and the impact she continues to have on so many. I know my oldest little man LOVES when he gets to see Mimi! Thank you, Mimi, for the way you continue to lead by example.
Thank you, Brandy, for sharing your story of how your mom has inspired you.
