What My Mom and Grandma Have Taught Me
When it comes to role models, my mom and grandma definitely top my list. They’ve taught me the single most important thing that has shaped the way I interact with others; the meaning of unconditional love. No matter how many times I forget to do what they ask, how many bad habits I have that irritate them, or how many mistakes I make, I know that they’ll love me regardless got my back through thick and thin.
I learned from my grandma what it means to give my all to others. She cooks us world-class meals, does chores around the house, and even does our laundry (Yes, my bros and I are way too spoiled!)! She doesn’t do it just to keep herself busy; she does it because she wants to do all she can to make life easier and better for our family. Though she nags and berates us constantly, I love her all the more because it’s her own way of showing that she cares.
My wonderful mother has taught me what it means to be completely selfless. The sacrifices that she has made to create a family I’m so blessed to be a part of is inspiring. There have been several instances where she could’ve gotten a promotion from her job and would’ve received a substantial pay increase, but she decided to turn those opportunities down because of the cost of spending a lot less time with the family. At my lowest moments, it has been my mom that has been there not to tell me what I should be doing differently or to judge me but to simply provide a listening ear. She has never forced me and my brothers to pursue dreams she has for us, but has instead has given us the utmost support to pursue our own dreams and aspirations. She may disagree with decisions I make, but she understands that these are my decisions to make and just wants me to be happy in life.
When my Dad told me a day before my mom’s surgery that she was having it due to her breast cancer, I was both devastated and upset. “What has she done to deserve this?” “Why didn’t she tell us?!?!?!” But after reflecting on how my mom goes about things, it all started to make sense. Even with such a serious issue as breast cancer, she never wanted to cause any of us undue worry and concern for her. She has always kept us first no matter what.
As a Project Success Support Specialist and basketball coach, I try to provide the same unconditional love and support for my kids that my mom and grandma have provided for me. I understand that my kids will inevitably make countless, nonsensical mistakes that baffle me, but the most important thing I can do is let them know that I’m there for them regardless knowing that I’m far from perfect myself. I have come to live by the quote that “people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Happy Mother’s Day, not only to my Mom and Grandma but to all the amazing mothers out there. I would be satisfied with my life if I were to even be half as selfless as the both of you are. Thank you for all you do, and always remember that I love you dearly.
