Throughout our lives, we develop many relationships that influence and inspire us to be the best possible versions of ourselves. Relationships with coworkers help us improve our teamwork and problem-solving skills, whereas our relationships with our children can help us become more patient, compassionate, and loving. However, there’s one relationship that truly transcends the rest in terms of our lifelong development. Our connection with this individual starts when life begins and often continues throughout our lives. Our mothers play an essential role in who we become, and through sacrifice, perseverance, and love, they help set us up for success. Since Mother’s Day is this month, I wanted to share my appreciation for my mother and everything she has accomplished.
My mom grew up in a small town outside of Lubbock called Lorenzo. She grew up in the late 1950s and turbulent ’60s, but small-town values shaped her upbringing more than anything else. Her mother was the editor of the local newspaper, which kept them involved with their local community. That said, my mom would not stay in Lorenzo for long. My dad was a little older than my mom and took off for college at UTEP, known then as Texas Western College. My mom followed suit and soon joined my dad in El Paso for college. I’m sure this was an amazing experience for them, as they were there when Texas Western won the national championship in basketball over Kentucky. That title is still a big source of pride in our community!
My parents moved to Lubbock after school, where they started a family. My brother and I were born about three years apart, and my sister came well after us. My mom stayed at home for a while to raise us, but when it came time to work, she didn’t back down. She started working as a licensed chemical dependency counselor in Lubbock, eventually moving to Austin for work after she and my dad divorced. She worked for the state, playing an instrumental role in Texas’ anti-smoking campaigns. My mom worked diligently to help teens avoid the temptation of tobacco.
After a long and rewarding career, my mom retired and returned her focus to her family. She spent ample time with my brother’s family in Austin before returning to El Paso, where she became a vital part of my and my children’s lives. She comes over for dinner almost every night and even has a spot on the couch reserved for her. My mom has also found connections within the community and made countless friends in El Paso. One of her best friends was her little sister in her sorority at Texas Western, and it’s incredibly heartwarming to know that they reconnected.
It’s not uncommon for us to take our relationships with our parents for granted, but this is something I am actively trying to avoid. I try to reflect on my mom’s life and needs with her whenever she visits. That way, I can step up and take care of her in the same manner that she has taken care of me throughout my entire life. Even if it’s sometimes inconvenient, spending time with our parents is something we should always look forward to doing.
My mom has been a constant source of support and guidance in my life, and I couldn’t be more blessed to have her as my mother. She has shaped my siblings and me into the people we are today. This Mother’s Day, I plan to go above and beyond to show just how much she means to me and my family!
I hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
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