With Mother's Day here, I have been reflecting on my bond
with Mom and the lessons she has taught me through the years.
We had a rough beginning...
Mom had a normal pregnancy, and everything was fine up
until my actual arrival. Then the situation became somewhat scary and
uncertain. Mom had a reaction to the Xylocaine epidural and went into
convulsions. The doctor had to pull me out with forceps, which meant I didn’t
have time to read the instructions on my way down the chute. I missed the fine
print on needing to breathe immediately.
One doctor worked on reviving Mom, while another one
worked on saving me. Luckily, a pediatrician specialist was just leaving the
hospital and was called back to try to get me breathing. Perhaps it wasn’t a
coincidence that the specialist was there at that particular moment. He was
probably one of the angels sent to save me that day. It was touch and go for a
while. Dad nearly lost both of us.
I definitely would not have held my breath for six minutes
had I known what hassles it would cause for the rest of my life. Talk about
learning from experience. You would think the first lesson for a newborn would
be somewhat easier!
(Excerpted from I'll Do It Myself)
But, because of that, we have enjoyed a special bond through the years. I have learned much from her:
- There is no such word as can't. In our home, can't was a
four-letter word. I was encouraged me to try. Of course, performing brain surgery and
running a marathon weren't viable options for me; with everything else, I was
expected to try. Once I attempted the task with sincere effort and found I couldn't
do it alone, Mom didn't have any qualms about helping me or finding another way
around so that I could do it alone.
- Always do your best. How can people eepect more than your best?
- Always say thank you, of course, and if the words won't come in that moment, smile. Sometimes with my speech, "Thank you" doesn't always come out clearly. A smile is a suitable alternative.
- If you have something nice to say, particularly about a person, then don't say
anything at all. Sometimes that is hard to do!
- You might not have what you want, but you always have what
you need. I remind myself of that on tough days, to be grateful for what I do
have and that my true needs are met.
- Look on the bright side. Mom is a great believer in thinking
positively. No point dwelling on the negative.
Thank you, Mom, I love you. Happy Mother's Day.
