FOREVER AND EVER

I’ve always believe that my mom and I have an exceptional relationship.  Probably because we’ve driven miles together to explore Michigan’s shopping malls (Even in the midst of winter storms), oriental stores, and restaurants (I’ve been introduced to from dating Matthew).  OR it could also be because we’ve learned mathematics together at 4:00am when she bravely returned to college for Nursing.  But my ultimate favorite quality time with her are our phone calls everyday as I drive home from work.

It is difficult to be a mother.

Unlike my mom, it’s a bit easier for me because she (And my mother in law) was able to guide me and Matthew every single time we face a parenting challenge (She did not have that).  I’ve learned to talk to her about our options, and she has no problem giving brutally honest and possible consequences from the actions we may take.  Don’t get me wrong, there are still days I vent to my younger sisters because I think “her” ways are crazy.  But at the end of the day, we end up keeping her perspective in mind – I mean she has done it before 🙂  Yes, I am very blessed.  Lolo, lola, grandma and papa are always one phone call away – they are our ultimate wheel of influence.  

Then there’s the question of how do we balance between a good and fun mother?

1. There are days I feel that I have overused the word NO – I know many of you can relate to that.
2. There are days I feel that I’ve pushed them too hard to pursue big dreams.
3. There are days that I’m learning that I can no longer be “too generous” to my girls when they try to push boundaries and try to negotiate what they deem as right and wrong.

But in spite of all these, I’m finding myself doing almost exactly the same as what I remember my mom did with my sister and I growing up.  Maybe it’s a bit improved because we are more mindful at the moment, and maybe I have better tools to be more efficient at being a working mom.  But the core beliefs and values that define my children are all originated from her.  She is in-between good and fun mother – something I still need to work on.

There are so much more to share.  But for now, I want to give thanks that God blessed me with the most selfless woman in the world.  There’s nothing she didn’t do to make sure she’s always there,  she gave us her all…I love you mom forever and ever – Happy Mother’s Day!