Guest Post: My mom on motherhood

Well, once again, Melissa has asked me to do a guest post on her blog. I always get a bit nervous when she asks me because she is the writer in the family, not me! But, here goes…

My mother Elenore Erlandson was indeed the best mother any person could ask for. I remember the feeling of security that I had when I was really young when I would literally hide in her skirts (I was a shy little thing!). She taught me the power of just being there. How lucky I was! She also taught me to take responsibility for myself…there were no excuses for misbehaving in our house, especially out in public or in school. It just didn’t happen, as we would never want to disappoint her or my dad. Of course, we were typical kids, and sometimes we would act up. These were the times I learned responsibility for my actions. I remember how mad I would get when, after I would slam my door yet another time, my mom would — oh so calmly — come up, open the door and ask me to close it properly. She taught me gentleness mixed with the firmness that children need to succeed. I still have a bottle of her perfume that I open to this day and breathe in the essence of my dear mother.

Melissa also asked me what I have learned from being a mother. Well, it sure is not as easy as my mother made it look! It’s the hardest yet most-rewarding job I have ever had. I know that sounds trite, but the reason people always say it is because it is so true! I have also learned that, if my mom was anything like me at my age, that maybe she was not as sure of herself as I perceived her to be! Being a mother is a gift, and I am so lucky to have my two “girls”!

She also asked me what three things I wish someone would have told me about being a mother. There is only one that stands out…..DO NOT WORRY SO MUCH! 99% of what I have worried about over the years never came to pass, and the other 1% got dealt with as it came up. Loosen up, let the house be messy and spend every moment that you can with your kids. Time really does pass in the blink of an eye!

P.S. More posts on motherhood.

Wise words from a reader: On standing up to fear

One of the things I love most about blogging is opening my inbox and reading so many wonderful and honest and inspiring emails from you, friends! It’s one of my favorite parts of the day. A couple months ago, I received an email from reader Elinor, who wrote these encouraging words…
 
As a mother of three girls, I was really drawn to your story of Stephen and unrequited love, as well as what you described as your chickening out. I think most people get caught up in all their drama over desired love and failed love. I certainly have. I’ve been in love three times, married twice, divorced once and widowed once. I have felt abandoned by love and rightly so. I have cried and complained about my circumstances. I have wondered what is wrong with me to make me so easy to leave behind. Poor poor pitiful me! Your piece about never having been on a date really opened my eyes. While I have been disappointed by love and left behind for someone else, I have had the great privilege of walking through love with someone. Three times. It is a gift and one I sincerely hope you will have when you meet the right someone, and maybe it is Stephen, who will see you first for the person you are inside and not for what they can see on the outside. And I hope you will not let fear stand in your way. On some level, we all must be able to look past the outside to see who the other person really is.
 
Thank you SO much, Elinor! It’s nice to hear that I’m not alone and not the only one who sometimes becomes overwhelmed by our own fear. Do you agree, friends? xoxo

P.S. As always, I’d love to hear from you! I’d love do another round of the Behind The Blog series and would LOVE to interview you!! Feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)!! My inbox is always open!

[Photo via We Heart It]