You know what Mom?
They all told you
that you could have been a teacher, with your gift of language, and way with
words. They all told you that you could have been a musician; no one made the
piano sing like you did. They all told you that you could have got a masters,
doctorate and PhD'; brains like yours don't come to everyone. They all told you
that you could change the world with the way you share service and organize
events. They all told you that you could write novels that would hit the New
York Times best sellers list. They all told you that you could travel the
world, meeting people and seeing sights very few people are privileged to see.
And you could
have.
But you didn't.
You just looked
back at them and with a firm resolution in your eyes (and faith in your heart)
you pushed away all those dreams and told them, "I'm going to be a
mother."
And they laughed.
They laughed at
the thought that someone so beautiful and so wise would give up so much to stay
up late with a sick child, to never wear a clean shirt again, to have messy
hair and tired eyes, and premature wrinkles, and worn hands.
But you let them
laugh.
Because you knew.
You knew that
there was something more to life than meeting presidents and hosting grand
events. You knew that singing lullaby's meant more than watching opera's and
holding a hand was worth more than holding a trophy.
But there was
something you didn't know.
Not then.
But I knew it, I
know it still, and I'll always be reminded of it, no matter how old I get or
where I live. And as crazy as it sounds that I, some silly girl who has only
been on earth 18 years might know more than this smart, amazing woman who I
call mother doesn't make much sense.
But its true.
I know something
you didn't know when you told the world no.
I knew that at
that moment when you gave up so much to do such a hard and lowly thing as
"dare be a mother", up in heaven a little girl rejoiced. Because she
didn't need to worry about coming to earth anymore. God found her someone who
would keep her safe, and bring her back to him. He found this girl someone who
would love her so much that she would give her life for her if it was necessary.
But that is not
all.
You know what else
you didn't know?
You didn't know
that there would be sleepless nights when you would have to engaged all your
strength to keep your eyes open so you could hold a shaking child who just had a
bad dream. You didn't know you might have to go without that piece of pie, so
my tummy would be filled. You didn't know that you would watch me fail again
and again, not knowing how to help me. You didn't know you would suffer with me
through every mistake. You didn't know that with every tear you wiped, every
hug you gave, and every word you whispered that you would be shaping me,
molding me, and teaching me.
But above all. You
didn't know that you really didn't give up all your dreams like they said you
did. Because you are a teacher and I speak, read, and write because of you. You
are a musician, the reason music rings through every fiber of my soul. You
write a novel, with every story you told me. You have a masters, doctorate, and
PhD in what matters in life. You have traveled the world fighting dragons,
conquering cities, and saving lives with me. You did organize countless events
and activities and thousands benefited. You might not have changed THE world,
but you changed MY world, by giving me all the love, dedication and lessons I
would ever need to be happy.
So while they may
laugh at the choice you made so long ago. You can stand with your head held
high. Because they might not know it. But you, me, and God know that you not
only did all those things they said you would not do if you became a mother,
but you did more.
To be the daughter
of such an amazing woman is the biggest blessing of my life. I will forever be
indebted to you for giving me life and every opportunity in life.
Thank you for
being so strong and knowing your divine calling in a world that laughed.
You are my hero
and my example. I love you with all my heart.
Natasha Smith
Mother's Day 2010
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