As I head back to the District from my parent’s house, it’s ironic that I first parted ways with my mother on a Sunday evening over 30 plus years ago. Over the years, I drifted a bit but always knew I could return home to a place void of the wicked ways of the world. “People never get the flowers while they can still smell them." So, I pay homage to my mother.
On this day, I want to thank her for all that she sacrificed. Although I grew up in a different world, she made sure we knew the origin of our family firsthand. No matter how much I achieve, I will never forget where we come from. I thank her for showing me that there is a world that exists beyond the borders of our small town. I thank her for forcing me to participate in the cotillion and other activities that were outside of my comfort zone. Although I still have two left feet, it is because of her that “I can walk with kings and queens yet not lose the common touch.” Although it is a rarity that I attend service now (will save that conversation for another day), I thank her for raising me in a church. It provided positive reinforcement for all of her lessons on ethics and morality.
She loved and nurtured us but also instilled a level of fear that kept us from straying too far off the beaten path. She pushed me from her womb down snow-capped mountains. When I fell, she always pulled me up to mend my wounds. And when I was afraid to risk failing again, she pushed me. I’ll never be able to repay my debt but I hope that she knows how much I think of her in all that I do. Thank you, mom!!
