Dear mom,

It wasn’t until I became a mom myself that I truly understood what you went through when I was first born. I admit that as I grew up there were many times that I took for granted the many daily sacrifices you made without fail.

You went back to work when I was only two months old because dad was out of a job. That took tremendous courage and strength. You stayed up with me all night as I projectile vomited across the room and then put a smile on your face the next day for a classroom full of other people’s children. You loved me, encouraged me, and supported me through the most difficult times of my life. It is no wonder you have always been everyone’s favorite teacher, principal, and now university professor. You are so wise.

This mother’s day I want to take a moment to honor the advice you have passed down to me:

1. “If you don’t love it, leave it”:

I know this was in reference to monetary purchases I wasn’t sure about making, but I believe there is greater life lesson at work in this statement. If you’re not passionate about something, don’t waste your time pursuing it. Don’t waste your money or efforts on things of little value to you. If you love something, don’t let anything stop you from achieving it. Follow your passions and pursue your dreams.

2. Laugh at Yourself

For whatever reason there is nothing funnier than a scene by scene playback of one of us committing embarrassing faux pas. Some of these stories are the stuff of legend (i.e. the treadmill story). Others are daily little tidbits we share to lighten the mood. You always taught me to embrace each mistake with a sense of humor and learn to laugh off any adversity that came my way.

3. Family First

You are an excellent example in my life of putting family first. You taught me about work/life balance as a working mother. You always excelled at your job but you never put your work above your kids. I never felt second. You always had time to build lasting memories with us that I carry with me to this day.

4. Everyone Has a Story to Tell

“Empathy is not inherent,” you would say, “It is learned.” You taught me to have empathy for others. You taught me to care for others above myself, just as you have done. You taught me to listen more than I speak, and to hear the lessons in every story of those living alongside of us. Stories of success, stories of despair and stories of hope can teach us something about how we are meant to live. You also taught me that it is okay to rewrite your own story and to begin again at chapter one.

5. The Power of an Optimistic Spirit

No matter what storm came my way, you could always put a positive spin on it. When I wanted to move provinces and barely even had a plan to support myself, you told me I would find my way. When I was in the throes of postpartum psychosis, you told me that one day I would inspire others. When my husband lost his job, you told us that God had bigger plans. No matter what the circumstance you always believed I could overcome it, and so I believed it too.

6. Stress is Simply the Absence of a Plan

This is my favorite quote of yours to date. Every time I face a challenge in my life, this sentence always comes to mind. I hear your voice reminding me that worry is a useless emotion and that all I need to do is create a plan of action. Then I just need to take that first step. I have watched you endure many personal challenges in your life. In every instance, you have demonstrated grace despite opposition that came your way. Your strength has been a testament to the power of perseverance and what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it.

BONUS: How to Rock a Poncho

You taught me about embracing personal style no matter what other people think. And maybe your style has rubbed off on me as well….

I love you mom! Happy Mother’s Day

Tiff (The Good Enuf Mommy)