Circle of Life

As I celebrated Mother's Day with my daughter today, I also found myself reflecting on her life....she turns 15 tomorrow. WOW! Where did the time go?

Like most others, I also spent some time thinking about those who have taught me how to be a mother and I came to the realization that I actually have learned the most about being a mom from my daughter. Yes, I have learned plenty from other mothers in my life, my own mother included, but ultimately, my daughter is my best teacher. When I take the time to see myself through her eyes, I have the opportunity to see my success as well as my flaws. Think about it for a minute....so, she is always prim and proper in public, sits attentively at church, excels on the basketball court, makes straight A's in school, the neighbors love her, the teachers want more students like her....so, I have to be a great mom, right? Not so much. While I may have had some influence on her behavior, ultimately all those things were a result of her decisions. On the other hand, her favorite place is on the couch with me.....she shares her secrets and dreams with me.....I know all of her friends and they know me....when she's bored, she comes to me lookin for a shopping buddy or someone to watch a movie with.....I feel like that is my true measure of success as a mom. If I can just keep my eyes, ears and heart open, she will show me exactly how to be a great mom. Her wants, needs, dreams, desires and fears will be right before my eyes--making my job a whole lot easier.

We've had several conversations lately about her childhood. And much to my surprise, most of her favorite memories involve nothing more than my time. Slumber parties in the living room, going to basketball games, road trips with great friends, her favorite Disney movie over and over and over....it really is true that the greatest gift you can give to your children is your time.

As she moves another step closer to becoming an adult tomorrow, I look forward to what she is going to teach me next about being a mom.

Happy Mother's Day
CeeKay