“My mother was right about everything!”

I’ve had the sweetness of years and time growing old with my mom. It’s been a privilege and still is one. She is 93 today, October 11, 2023. There is so much I could say about her life, love, and compassionate way of living. I’m almost finished Tuesdays with Morrie. I only have the afterward by the author, which I saved for today. In many ways, I feel as if I could write the same book and tell the story of Mom Louise. Maybe call it The Caring Years: A Mother and Daughter Journey. We’ve had more than Tuesdays together. So much of the principles Morrie spoke of to Mitch in the classroom setting of Morrie’s home and his last days ring true in the lessons learned in our home.

I love you, Mom. I pray that all the love you’ve given over the last 93 years will return to you in waves of overwhelming joy and peace.

My oldest daughter, Victoria, gave me a candle, and I think on a past Mother’s Day, a tea towel with the exact quote on it:

“My mother was right about everything!”

I’m not sure if moms are really that perfect. Perhaps our mistakes are what teach the most, even more than the life lessons we try to impart. When you realize that everything is important, instead of clinging to things that don’t benefit a relationship, you begin to see things more clearly. As daughters, we find our own way in life and create our own story, living the life that God has planned for us. It is the foundation of love from our mothers that gives us the wings to fly freely.

“This is part of what a family is about, not just love. It’s knowing that your family will be there watching out for you. Nothing else will give you that. Not money. Not fame. Not work.”
― Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

Tonight we leave for D.C. to spend the night and travel to Italy the next day. How fitting to be on our way to an adventure from a mom who made it a priority to speak life and support adventures that create joy and learning. Mom and I, in my younger years, took many adventures with my talents, interests, and her work.