I felt like my mother's child even as an adult. She would give me her gentle warnings or
reminders up until she died. "Don't you need a sweater?" "Be careful going home." I learned
early on it was not nagging--just gentle "hugs" -- a reminder of her love and care for me.
And I was always learning from her--even how to gracefully die at the end of her life.
And I was always learning from her--even how to gracefully die at the end of her life.
I've come to realize that my mother is still teaching me. As I continue to sort through her things,
I find "lesson nuggets" as I see more intimately how she lived and why she did what she did.
I learn the most from letters she wrote or received.
I came across a gem the other day--a birthday letter she had written to a dear friend.
It reminded me of the letters we heard our (GHWB) 41st president wrote.
Letters of encouragement.
My mother was not fond of public speaking, but she did express herself
so well in writing. Her example in this particular letter
has reminded me how important affirmations are.
has reminded me how important affirmations are.
I'm doing better now in following her example.
Wouldn't it just make your day to receive a note of encouragement
inside a birthday card?
inside a birthday card?
What beautiful lessons that your mother taught...and is still teaching through her legacy. Being an encouraging voice is a valuable gift! Just yesterday, a wise friend helped me through a rough patch with her encouraging words that were a balm to my soul.
ReplyDeleteI think that you are your mother's daughter, Dotsie.
What a sweet post...and those little things your mom used to say sound exactly like they could have come from my mom...about the need for a sweater or to be careful. I find myself saying these same kinds of things to my adult sons. My mom wasn't much of a talker...she was quiet and meek for the most part...and she never said a harsh word about anyone. I could stand to learn a few more lessons from her. Isn't it wonderful that it's never too late for us :)
ReplyDeleteMothers are always with us in one way or another. It is 20 years since my mum passed away, but I still remember what she would have siad on certain occasions.
ReplyDeleteI will have to tell my grown children (and my husband) that I'm not nagging them but giving 'gentle hugs'. I like that idea. And yes, I do like to receive a note in a greeting card, not just a signature. Lovely post Dotsie.
ReplyDeleteA "gentle hug". I love that! My mother still "speaks" to me in many situations.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Those letters are such lovely gifts from the past. I have a collection of my mother's letters as well - so precious as Mum slowly steps away from the here and now and lives more and more in the past. I can hear her voice in those letters.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog during the time you were caring for your mother. I learned such beautiful things through your words, Dotsie. I think you have this gift too. Your post on Ungossip is good. We all need to hear the words of affirmation spoken to us.
ReplyDeleteDeanna
It has been a great blessing to me to have affirmative words from my friends here in Blogdom as I was fresh on the heels of so much negativity. I try not to speak of it as it edifies no one, but sometimes we do not know what another is going through so to speak something positive with complete honesty can prove to be a lifesaver. You have definitely learned these lessons from your beautiful mother. She's teaching us all still through you.
ReplyDeleteAffirmation is really a great thing to enjoy. A birthday card can really brighten someone's day, even if they say they aren't celebrating. I try to keep up with those who are close to me.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your posts, especially those about your mother.
ReplyDeleteI love your post today, Dotsie. There are so many ways each of us can use our gifts of encouragement to others. Words are powerful. What a wonderful gift your Mother had. ♥
ReplyDeleteLesson nuggets, what a sweet expression. A precious post as you think of your mom.
ReplyDeleteYou ARE your mother's child. =) And, I love that even though she has gone to our next place... she is still teaching you here. Makes my heart warm. And, you are teaching others. The circle of life... Thank you, Dotsie. blessings and hugs ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteOh I like the description of 'gentle hugs' and must remember this the next time I'm accused of nagging. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnother reason to keep card and letter writing alive because in our busy world we seldom take the time to give another praise or encouragement. A birthday card with words to thank me for who I am and give me encouragement would definitely be welcome.
A nice post Dotsie.♥
Love this post! Thanks for all the wonderful words you have sent my way.
ReplyDeleteDotsie, I wish my grown sons would see my reminders as hugs! :-) What a treasure trove you have in your mother's correspondence.
ReplyDeleteYes! I always cherish receiving a nice chatty letter inside a birthday or Christmas card. I was a avid letter writer in my younger days and miss that form of communication very much as hardly anyone takes the time to write a letter any longer :(
ReplyDeleteI will also tell my daughter that I am giving her "gentle hugs" the next time she tells me my Motherly reminders are not necessary--lol. I tell her she will do the same to her grown up daughter one day in the future --it is what loving Mother's do!:)
I still give out lots of gentle hugs myself..but my two are pretty stubborn. I think they eventually figure out that mom does indeed know what she is talking about. Especially now that they have their own kids to raise. I'm glad you have your mother's letters to hold on to and maybe pass on to your children.
ReplyDeleteYou are the perfect one to have these letters, you read and learn and know and share. To me, that's all one could ask for after they leave our world. Encouragement...of course. Still, I think at a young age our children call it nagging! :)
ReplyDeleteJane xxx
I like to send cards but I rarely write a letter any more. This is a good reminder and would make someone feel special. Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteUpgossip is such a good expression. Encouraging and loving people with our words is so important.
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious mother
ReplyDelete