"At twenty, I’m sure my Mom was afraid, anxious, and uncertain. She must have had dreams and aspirations that were altered or entirely vanquished by the fact that she was a new mother.
But, if she did, I’ve yet to hear of them."
Damn. I think about this all the time because my mom had kids on the younger end too. I have no idea how young moms do it, growing up so fast and becoming so selfless. Truly super heroes.
Thank you, Sandra. When I think back to the age my parents were when they were raising me, I’m amazed at how mature, responsible, and selfless they were compared to me at the same age. Sort of mind blowing.
Wow Randy. Got to this piece late, but man, I'm so glad I got to it. So emotional and beautiful. I'm going to go and give my mom a big hug after this. Your mom sounds like a lovely person, and I am very happy for you!
This was such a beautiful tribute to your mom, Randy! I agree, "selfless" doesn't come up enough on the list of traits for moms. I forget it myself. But then when I look back, it's absolutely bonkers to think about how much mom prioritized her family over herself. She still struggles with putting herself today.
"Not all mothers stand firmly in the corners of their children, putting the hopes and dreams of those children before their own wants and desires, preparing them for the future while also giving them a past worth remembering and holding on to.
Having one who does is a cheat code to life everyone should enjoy."
It really is a cheat code! Thank you for sharing this piece about your mother and making me feel so appreciative for mine as well.
"preparing them for the future while also giving them a past worth remembering and holding on to.
Having one who does is a cheat code to life everyone should enjoy. If I could gift everyone in the world one thing, it would be to experience a childhood with this incredible advantage. "
"I often wonder if I can measure up to my expectations of being a parent. The bar is set high. It feels unattainable. But it pushes me every day "
I think our mothers are related, Randy!
Happy Mothers Day to her, to your wife and to you for honoring her in this wonderful way.
Beautiful insights, beautiful writing, a beautiful tribute, and a beautiful mother. Your piece is a selfless act that contributes to us all Randy - like your mother. 🙏
Thank you, James! I questioned whether or not to write on the topic of my Mom. There's really nothing I could write that would do her justice, but I went for it. I'm glad I did, and thank you for the kind words.
"At twenty, I’m sure my Mom was afraid, anxious, and uncertain. She must have had dreams and aspirations that were altered or entirely vanquished by the fact that she was a new mother.
But, if she did, I’ve yet to hear of them."
Damn. I think about this all the time because my mom had kids on the younger end too. I have no idea how young moms do it, growing up so fast and becoming so selfless. Truly super heroes.
This was a wonderful read, Randy.
Thank you, Sandra. When I think back to the age my parents were when they were raising me, I’m amazed at how mature, responsible, and selfless they were compared to me at the same age. Sort of mind blowing.
Wow Randy. Got to this piece late, but man, I'm so glad I got to it. So emotional and beautiful. I'm going to go and give my mom a big hug after this. Your mom sounds like a lovely person, and I am very happy for you!
Thank you, Ishan. And yes, she's the best!
Beautiful reflection Randy! Funnily enough, the quote Michelle shared also resonated with me and made me think of my Mom. Good stuff!
Thank you, Camilo!
This was such a beautiful tribute to your mom, Randy! I agree, "selfless" doesn't come up enough on the list of traits for moms. I forget it myself. But then when I look back, it's absolutely bonkers to think about how much mom prioritized her family over herself. She still struggles with putting herself today.
"Not all mothers stand firmly in the corners of their children, putting the hopes and dreams of those children before their own wants and desires, preparing them for the future while also giving them a past worth remembering and holding on to.
Having one who does is a cheat code to life everyone should enjoy."
It really is a cheat code! Thank you for sharing this piece about your mother and making me feel so appreciative for mine as well.
Thank you, Michelle! So glad it resonated. Sometimes I feel as though selflessness is a lost art form in today's "look at me" society.
A very nice tribute to your mom, Randy. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you so much, John!
You seem to be aceing it in the "pay it forward" department Randy, and I agree, having mature and loving parents is a total "cheat code" ! : )
Thank you, Rick! I am doing my best, so it's good to hear that, at least from a reader’s perspective, I'm nailing it!
"preparing them for the future while also giving them a past worth remembering and holding on to.
Having one who does is a cheat code to life everyone should enjoy. If I could gift everyone in the world one thing, it would be to experience a childhood with this incredible advantage. "
"I often wonder if I can measure up to my expectations of being a parent. The bar is set high. It feels unattainable. But it pushes me every day "
I think our mothers are related, Randy!
Happy Mothers Day to her, to your wife and to you for honoring her in this wonderful way.
Thank you, Karena! And Happy Mother's Day to you and your mother as well!
"Nothing is more important to me than being the best parent I can possibly be."
I already figured this out about you long before you wrote it. You're doing an amazing job with your daughter, Randy. Just thought to tell you.
Great piece, by the way!
Thank you so much, Chinwe! That is the nicest compliment anyone can give me. It is much appreciated.
Beautiful insights, beautiful writing, a beautiful tribute, and a beautiful mother. Your piece is a selfless act that contributes to us all Randy - like your mother. 🙏
Thank you, James! I questioned whether or not to write on the topic of my Mom. There's really nothing I could write that would do her justice, but I went for it. I'm glad I did, and thank you for the kind words.