Bathing in Praise: Mother’s Day Thoughts

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Well, it’s coming up on Mother’s Day and I want to reflect about my mom. I’m sure most people feel strongly about their mothers, but I’m here to tell you there was none better. Ruthie Sylves had a way of exuding love and acceptance that made even the worst days tolerable. Mom was the eternal optimist. She passed a “can do” spirit to each of her children in a way that each of her children could hear it. I can still hear her telling me to bend over to give her a hug and kissing me on my cheek, while speaking into my ear how proud she was of me. Mom’s words of affirmation were so-o substantive. They had a luscious quality. The only thing that comes close sensually is taking a warm shower on a cold morning. The water hits in just such a way that you feel like cooing. And you don’t want to come out from it. Her positive words, genuine and heartfelt, were every bit as soothing as her touch. What I have found different than the shower metaphor is that the words stick. I can still hear and feel those words. And I can call on those when the world says something else to me. Mom has been gone almost 25 years. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. A good portion of the substance of who I am as a person, the passion I have to connect with people comes from this wonderful woman! Stay tuned.

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Filed under Marriage & Family, Parenting & Kids, Stories from my Childhood

Tags: affirmation, children, family, hug, life, love, mom, Mother's Day, parenting, praise