I have said in previous blogs that the greatest asset is that of people who genuinely love and trust you. Although I was not born into wealth, I was born into a family that overwhelmed me with love. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was loved by my mother, father, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In my blog’s “About Me,” I mention my foundation is a triad consisting of my mother, father, and granny. My mother is the cornerstone of that triad. My mom is a nurturer and healer. She always seeks the best in people and serves other, sometimes to her own detriment. I have always said my mother was not a strong woman. Only now I realize that her strength was exercised in her service to others. My dad and I could be ambitious and aggressive because she was the strength of stability.
Earlier this month, I sent an email to my nieces and nephews. Snippets are below.
No one exists because of his own accomplishments. We all stand on the shoulders of someone that paved the path. In paving the way for a better tomorrow, they likely gave up comforts or personal benefits. As you honor your mother, you need to also honor the woman that enabled your mom to pursue her dreams – Granny.
Granny sacrificed so her daughter could have opportunities she never had as a young woman. Granny never asked for anything in return. She may be worrisome at times, but if that is all we have to put up with after all she’s done, I think we can bear it. Your mother could not be the woman she is without Granny. I could not be the woman I am without the foundation of love, family, and discipline that Granny laid. This Mother’s Day, do not overlook the one person who sacrificed all so that your mother and aunts could provide you a loving and supporting family. Let her know you’re grateful. It is not the size of the gift. It is the thought. Don’t wait until she’s dead to talk about how good she is.
“Who can find a virtuous woman? Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm. She provides food for her family. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household for all of them are clothed. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:10-27
I am thankful for having Grandmothers that loved and indulged this middle child with the special attention I needed to blossom. They are no longer with me, but their love is ever present in my heart. I tell friends, that I am 95-97% my dad, the rest of me (good stuff) is my mom. To my mom, the 3% of me that represents you makes the rest of me whole. You are the still voice that reminds me to love and serve others. You have taught me that there is strength in meekness. I love you.
To every woman that has poured affection and nurtured the heart of a child or attended to the cries and wounds of his soul, regardless of whether you birth one: Happy Mother’s Day!
Founder, Editor-in-Chief
Ronda is an attorney, writer, and entrepreneur. She is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. Originally from Chicago, she has lived in Los Angeles and New York. She loves to travel and is passionate about education equity, especially for first generation college students.
Ronda is an attorney, writer, and entrepreneur. She is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. Originally from Chicago, she has lived in Los Angeles and New York. She loves to travel and is passionate about education equity, especially for first generation college students.