I've been writing this particular post for a long time, probably all my life. The life gifts I've been given by both of my parents would take another lifetime to cover, but today, a day to honor those mothers who give motherhood a good name, I am drastically aware of how much I've been given in this life.
Mornings at the Wimberley household were simply not for the faint of heart---but in a good way. There was no easing into the new day; life hit the ground running. More often than not, I was awakened by my mother's singing as she went about her morning routine. If she wasn't singing, she would be praying for each of us aloud as she did the dishes, or having a conversation with pop as they drank their coffee. The mood was light and cheerful and peaceful; it was an inviting feeling.
I am grateful to have never awakened in cold chaos or angry words. I cannot comprehend the feelings that must run through children who awake to and live in such an atmosphere. My heart breaks for them. It seems a bit of a taboo subject on such a day, but there are mothers who don't really give motherhood a good name--it's a shame and a concept I don't understand really...bringing children into this world, but then choosing not to cherishing these children for the absolute treasures that they are. Even sadder still, are those who move beyond giving motherhood a bad name and become monsters that cause damage in the lives of the young.
Motherhood is not for the weak, this I know. It takes great amounts of strength, tears, sweat, wisdom, and probably Tylenol. As I look back on my childhood, I am grateful for the honest, compassionate upbringing I was given. My mom has always been a source of security and safety; even when we have not agreed on issues, I have never had to struggle through the feeling of being unloved. She has supported me in times that she could not necessarily agree with or support my decisions. (I am also grateful for the opportunities to fail--and fail I did, just ask me about living in Oklahoma!) While I could not predict my parents' exact response to my late coming out, I knew that they would not withhold their love and support from me as a person, as their daughter, and now I am even more grateful that this love and acceptance is beautifully extended to my wife. Love and acceptance were never bargaining chips in our family--and this made a drastic difference in my confidence level as I sat out to explore the world and myself. May many follow in her footsteps. Peace.
Happy Mom's Day, Mom, you give motherhood a good name!
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