My mother’s birthday is today. I wanted to repost this from 2019. This past year we heard a lot about heroes and I truly think my mom is one. She sacrifices for her family and friends so much. She gives until she has nothing left. She is amazing. And I want the world to be reminded once again of these important lessons I learned from her. (I’ve added some different pictures.)
January 13th is the birthday of one of the most influential people in my life. She has molded me through the years to make me the person who I am today. She has stood beside me in good times and in bad. She has loved me even when I was the most unloveable. I am, of course, talking about my mom, Dolores Breese.
As I think about my mom, I am truly blessed to be her daughter. I have learned so much from her. Although she hasn’t been perfect (and she would be the first to admit that) she has always done what she thinks is best. Here are some things I am so grateful to have learned from her:
- Trust God — My mom’s faith in God is plain to see. She has lived her faith all throughout my life. Even during the difficult times she would say, “God will take care of us.” Sometimes it would seem God was very far away, but she never doubted His love or concern for every area of our lives. She even told me (until I was sick of hearing it) that God was preparing my husband for me. While I wasn’t so sure or very patient, at just the right time, Bobby Warren came into my life and made me his bride. My mom was right! God prepared Bobby just for me.
- Be Dependable — My mom’s code has always been if you say you are going to do something, then you do it. Because I saw her follow through on the many commitments she made as I was growing up, I also try to do this. Sometimes I get myself in trouble, when I bite off more than I can chew (just like her), but I always try to follow through. Just like her.
- Be Honest — My mom had a saying when I was growing up, “it always comes home.” What she meant was that whatever you say always comes out, so make sure not to lie. I have had times when I have seen this come true. It is always better to be honest from the get go. Plus you don’t have to remember what you said.
- How to Keep House — This may not be evident to you if you came to my house, but my mom taught me how to clean a room. How to wash dishes. How to iron clothes. How to do laundry. Because I learned this young I have always been able to take care of myself. I made mistakes on some of this, but that was when I was much younger. Thankfully by the time Bobby and I got married, I was already a decent homemaker. One side note, I had only learned the minimum of how to cook from my mom. But that wasn’t her fault, it was mine. I said I would marry a husband who liked to cook. And as it turns out, I did!
- Family is Important — My mom is the glue that holds our family together. She always has been. She always made the effort for us to get together with extended family on holidays. She always opened her home to family (and friends) if they needed a place to stay. She keeps in touch with family near and far — even during a pandemic. I think that is why family is important to me, too. I love hanging out with my family.
- Honor Your Vows — This I learned from both my parents, but it makes sense to include it here. My parents have been married for over 50 years. Their marriage has not always been pleasant. There were many rough years. Yet they worked through them and stayed together. When others around them were giving up, they didn’t. I learned from them how to stay committed. I also learned how I wanted to be different from them. Still, because of what I saw growing up and even now, I learned that it is important to honor the vows I made to Bobby.
I could go on and on. My mom is an amazing woman. If you’ve ever met her you know exactly what I mean. She loves with her whole heart. She believes in you even when you don’t believe in yourself. She never gives up on you. She challenges you to be your best self. On this day and every day, I pray she knows how much I love her and appreciate the lessons she has taught me. Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you!
Oh, yeah, if you see her, tell her Happy Birthday!
