Rest Stop…Celebrating Mothers’ Day

Happy Mothers’ Day…A time to remember.

This weekend we will celebrate Mothers’ Day. I always love this day although my mother passed over 30 years ago at the age of 59. Far too young for me and for her. My mother is an inspiration to me. I appreciate her influence on my life and all the lessons her life taught me. I only wish I could have shown her more appreciation when she was alive. Her name was Laura. She provided her kids with a firm foundation in and love for education. We all became educators! This was all done through her making sure we were serious about learning and through her volunteering in the PTA and on the playground. Such a simple, yet profound, impact.

My sisters…my support and inspiration.

I have been blessed with a family who is very close. I know I can count on them to celebrate the good times and to get me through the rough times.

My oldest sister Peg is the glue that keeps our family together. She reaches out to us, she is the family historian, and she is the one we depend on. When I was in high school and she was in college, I snuck into her closet and wore some of her best outfits. I followed her to UCI and majored in Social Sciences, the same major as she. I avoided the subjects that gave her trouble. She got me my first job in the Information and Computer Science Department at UCI. She became a teacher; I became a teacher. She retired at age 59, I retired at age 59. Obviously she was a role model for me! Peg grounds the whole family.

My youngest sister Becky is the fast-talker, too-smart-for-her-pants sister who is always up to having fun. We shared a room growing up. At night, we would go to sleep in our separate twin beds. At some point, she would come into my bed with me. Then I would go to her bed only to have her return to be with me. This went on all night long! I used to tell her made-up stories at night about starting a store and other such dreams. She is the one that shares the love of photography and flowers with me. I don’t see Becky much because she lives in Kentucky. It is my dream someday to live closer to her so we can share more fun.

P.S. I do have a brother whom I have not mentioned in this post. Because he is a man–equally wonderful though.

I dedicate this post to my departed mother, my cherished sisters, and my lovely daughter.

Thank you Elizabeth…

I love being your mother and seeing all your successes with your family and career. I am so thankful to be a grandmother to Lauren. May all your Mothers’ Days be filled with love and family.