I come from a long line of strong, inspiring women who have rocked each day in their own unique ways. With Mother’s Day coming up, this is the perfect opportunity for me to share five important life lessons my mom and grandmas have taught me.
Lesson 1 – You Are Strong and You Really Can Do Anything
I grew up believing that this was a female’s world, always feeling a little sorry for the boys I was beating on the soccer field or in math class. I know that sounds a little over confident (OK, maybe it was a teensy bit), but the important point here is that I was lucky enough to be raised by family in such a way that I have always felt comfortable and confident with who I was.
I knew I was enough and that I was able to do anything I put my mind to.
Having kind and compassionate yet strong and independent women to guide the way helped me to grow up believing that all of these traits are valued and that together they make anything possible.
My mom is a great example of mom power. She graduated from Nursing College but always wanted to earn her University degree. So, while working full-time as a nurse at our local hospital, and with five kids at home, she worked her way through her University degree and accomplished what must have at times felt like the impossible.
I can still picture her sitting in the dining room with her books open, trying her best to research and study, while the five of us probably created the kind of chaos that only 5 kids can.
If only I had understood back then just what she was doing and how hard it must have been. I wish I’d known to go over and give her a hug and tell her how proud I was of her, and that we’d all just shut up for a while and leave her in peace!
My mom still lives life with that same endless energy and positive spirit.
Lesson 2 – Having Hobbies and Passions You Love Matters
My grandma on my mom’s side taught me that the days are never long when you have hobbies and passions you love.
She taught me how to knit and crochet, and she did so with endless patience, happily fixing my wonky scarves every time I lost stitches (or somehow gained 10!).
She has spent countless hours hand quilting beautiful quilts for all of her children and grand-children, and at 94 years old, she still has projects on the go.
I think I inherited my love for DIY from her!
Many of her skills are becoming lost arts and I admire her talents.
You may find my grandma quietly knitting away, but she does so with pink streaks in her hair, a toe ring on, and sporting a tattoo that she got when she was 90 years old.
Lesson 3 – Chocolate Bars and Ice Cream Sandwiches are Food Groups
My grandma on my dad’s side taught me (and to the delight of my kids, them), that a grandma’s fridge should always have an endless supply of full sized chocolate bars and ice cream sandwiches.
I never left my grandma’s house without a purse full of chocolate for the entire family. She had a sweet tooth only matched by her love for chicken and french fries from Swiss Chalet.
As a teenager, visiting my grandma meant an afternoon of lounging with a stack of tabloid magazines, a full run down on the Royal family, and an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet. When you’re 15 years old, that’s awesome.
After I left for university, a visit with my grandma always meant a big box of food to take back with me to my residence. She never forgot and I know it was her way of supporting me because she was a big believer in education.
Despite following her own chocolate and ice cream based food guide, my grandma lived a long and healthy life. I lost her about a year ago at the age of 101 years old. She was a true matriarch of a big family and how lucky I am to have had her as a role model for so long.
Lesson 4 – It’s OK to be Alone
Both of my grandmas lost their husbands many years ago and thus have spent many years alone; yet, I don’t think they have been lonely.
The ability to lose someone you love, be suddenly on your own and still create a life you love is priceless. It’s a sign of resilience and strength to make your way without the partner you’ve had by your side for so long.
They have shown me that regardless of age, moving forward with determination and a smile is the only option.
Lesson 5 – Love Your Imperfectly Perfect Family
Families come in all shapes in sizes and mine was big, loud, and full of love and laughs. And my grandmas were always there, keeping a keen eye on all the chaos and enjoying the view. As I get older and life gets busier with work, kids and everything else in between, it can be tricky to find time when we can all be together. However, when the stars align and we can all gather around the dinner table or a campfire, that’s the gold of having a family.
So to my mom and grandmas, thank you for teaching me these lessons. Thank you for being in my life. And, because I am a mom, I get it now.
Lesson 1 – You Are Strong and You Really Can Do Anything
Lesson 2 – Having Hobbies and Passions You Love Matters
Lesson 3 – Chocolate Bars and Ice Cream Sandwiches are Food Groups
Lesson 4 – It’s OK to be Alone
Lesson 5 – Love Your Imperfectly Perfect Family
What lesson did you learn from your mom or grandma? Share below!