Women Who Inspire - My Mother
I am not a parent but I would venture to say it's not easy. Through the years of noting the lines around the eyes and the tension migraines on the way to swim meets, I feel safe to say it's a tough gig. I've also noticed the mother daughter dynamic can be especially complicated. There are dramatic arguments, unsolicited fashion advice, and so much estrogen. Just. So. Much.
I wish I could say that in my own life it is/was the classic like-mother-like-daughter duo. In our family, it's more like-mother-like-son. I am like my dad. When the talks of life had to happen, it all came from my dad. He could simply look at me, and I would know everything I needed to know. My dad gave me the gift of understanding. My mother gave me grit.
She is tough. She is very, very tough. She comes from Oklahoma by way of parents who were equally tough and landed her in the balmy south. My mom now has a complex mix of western practicality and southerness. She's more than happy to remind you of proper wardrobe etiquette ("What do you mean that you wore your sweatpants out of the house? Are you ill?!"). On the other hand, she's not a real fan of being called, "Darlin,' " by the general public. You're a cashier at HomeDepot, sir. Let's all be professional.
Her toughness gives her a backbone, which she then instilled into her children. Don't waver when it is hard. Hard means you grow. Don't doubt what you know to be true. Think. It doesn't matter your circumstances, you always think. Think of others. Think of your beliefs. Think of consequences - both positive and negative. "Think, Meagan Ashley!" As an adult I can still hear her voice saying those words to me.
What I love most in her is that she does think. I love that there was never an idea she held so sacred that she didn't think it through. I am grateful that she taught me the same. I am grateful that I saw her face every difficult challenge without flinching. I am thankful for the arched eyebrow and insistence on using my double name. Thankful that I had a mom who said what was true and not what I wanted to hear. I am grateful that she pushed me beyond where my laid-back nature and attitude would have taken me. I am thankful that she is the strongest and most challenging woman I know. I am thankful for her.