When I was younger, my mom sang me to sleep every night. The songs changed, but there definitely was a song–every night.
Towards the last months of college, I’d have a long phone call with my mom every night as I dealt with the huge questions of “what’s next” in life.
My mom supported me when I pursued my teaching credential and didn’t even hesitate when I decided to leave the classroom and become a speaker instead.
She’s pretty phenomenal.
On this Mother’s Day she’s probably busy working on some project for her graduate program (she started work on her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership last fall).
And that’s the amazing things about great moms–they have such an incredible drive and an incredible source of energy that fuels their compassion. I’m now at the age where many of my friends are now moms. I see them providing great love and care to their own children. I can now see that many of those “singing every night” moments come after an exhausting day and maybe even a few tantrums from the kid (I know I was no exception). And yet, there are still songs.
I’m often asked how I became a speaker. My normal response goes through the early stages of my career.
The real response has to begin with one more step: I had a great mom who supported me.
My mom always encouraged me to tell stories as a kid and was so willing to give her focus and attention to me in those moments (this made even more extraordinary by the fact that there are four kids in my family).
I hope on this Mother’s Day that you have the chance to celebrate with your mom. If you’re actually able to see her in person, perhaps you can make one of these cool Mother’s Day gifts.
To all my friends and readers who are moms, thank you for making the world a little bit better.
To my own mom, thank you for the hugs and kisses, the songs and the advice, the bandaids and the Coopies, the applause and the challenges, and the love, and the love, and the love.
I love you, Mom.
Happy Mother’s Day!