Do you really know your mother? Has Mother’s day just turned into another moment where you run around in a frenzy trying to find the perfect gift or card? How well do you know you mother? Sure when you were younger she was the one that tied your shoe, packed your lunch and yelled at you to clean your room. She made sure you had 3 meals a day, kissed your boo-boos and brushed your teeth. Then as a teen, she was the one that you hid from, didn’t want to talk with or were embarrassed to be seen with at school. College came and you knew it all and she became your ATM. Then right around the time college was ending you started to miss the home cooked meals and even the unsolicited advice we moms can only give out. Somewhere along the line you grew up and finally figured out what you knew when you were just a kid, this person will always love me and try to kiss my boo-boos away. (Although those boo-boos are much bigger now.)
Now, that’s what a mother does, but who is she as a person. If you’ve never asked your mom or grandmother questions about what her life was/is like? Do it today. You might be surprised who you’ve been living with all these years. My sister reminded me of this a few years ago and it has stuck with me ever since. The best gift you can give a mom is to let her know that she’s more than just a housecleaning, food making machine or a working maniac. Here are some interesting facts about my mom:
My mom married my dad at 17 in Italy. When times got tough they made a choice to come here to America, without much money and without knowing the language. They had a few friends and family that had already come over. My mom was 19 pregnant and already had a 7 month old baby. (Personally, I could barely go to the store by myself when I was pregnant and had an 18 month old let alone immigrate to a new country.) They stayed with friend for awhile, my father got a job and then they moved to their own place. When she went into labor my father was at work and neither herself or her neighbors had a car to drive her to the hospital. The neighbors called her a cab, but when she didn’t have any money to pay for her ride she offered the driver her ring in exchange. Thankfully he was an honest man and didn’t take it. Could you have done that?
Later on, my mom took work in a factory making dresses. She worked the day shift and my father worked the night shift. They didn’t want anyone else taking care of their children. I can’t imagine how exhausted they must have been and what a huge sacrifice this was on their marriage. Fast forward years later, my parents started their own business while my mom continued to work sewing dresses. Eventually, we relocated from an apartment house to a beautiful house about an hour and half drive from the city. While my father concentrated on the business, my mother continued sewing dresses, this time from home. My father would drive to the factory once a week and pick up huge bundles of cut fabric and then bring back completed dresses. All this time she took care of her children, still put three meals on the table, and helped my dad with the business.Together they put all four of their children through school, not bad for two people whose education ended at the elementary school level. ( My mom had all of her books taken away from her as she and her family crossed the border into Italy during WWII. The soldiers told her that she would never need them.)
My mom personally sewed all of my prom dresses, semi-formal dresses, my bridesmaids and my wedding dress, as well as my sons christening gown. I learned how to be a wife from her, as she spent years caring for my father as he was battling cancer. His biggest wish was that my mom and I would become best friends and I can say that’s true, as not a day goes by that we don’t talk on the phone. Today, she is a constant support in the lives of her grandchildren and probably my biggest fan.
Now, if I would have read a book about this woman I would have found her struggles and story fascinating. It took me years to realize that I have lived with this person everyday. So, today I ask you: Who is your mother?
Happy Mother’s Day!
Walter says
That was so incredibly touching! Thanks for doing that!
YUMMommy says
What a heartfelt post! I agree that Mother’s Day has become very commercialized like Easter, Christmas, Birthdays and Thanksgiving. It’s always nice to look at the bigger picture and truly celebrate our moms and the women they were and molded us into. My mom sacrificed so much for our family as well. Her strength always leaves me in awe.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Susan Polifemo says
I just want to group hug!!!! Very sweet and touching and true.
Ruth says
This is a an INCREDIBLE post. First of all, your mom is amazing and her story is phenomenal. I would love to k now more.
Beth says
What a beautiful story about your Mother. Thank you so much for sharing. It was truly touching.
Uncle Wally says
I have tears in my eyes! So touching and all true.
alison says
I love this! What a beautiful tribute to your mom! I know she loved it because just reading about her I loved it! I know my mom and I try to always keep a close relationship with her.
Tanya says
Truth! Great post Milena!
Ashley @irishred02 says
Happy belated Mother’s Day to you! I enjoyed my day relaxing at home with my family.
Emily, Our house now a home says
Beautiful! It is so much more than the gifts, I love this idea of knowing your Mom.
maria @closetohome says
I agree have a meaningful conversation with your parents, relatives. It is the best present they can give you.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
I truly feel that mom’s need more than just 1 day a year that people celebrate them for who they are and what they do. It doesn’t have to be with gifts…but with love, devotion and helping out once in a while.
Amanda says
What an amazing woman you have in your Mother. She is so strong and brave!
Censie Sawyer says
What a great post. Thank you for your honesty. What a great mother you have. I am so thankful for my mom every day.
Erin @ Stay At Home Yogi says
This is a beautiful post! We rely on our moms for so much and it’s so easy to forget that they are women with their own lives and stories. <3