My mom, my friend, my hero...

This Mother's Day I wanted to pay tribute to my own mom and reflect on a few of the things I love most about her. Anyone who knows me knows that my mom is one of the most important people in my life. She is not only my mom; she is my friend and my hero. Now that I am a mother myself, I am amazed at how my mom was able to do everything she did while holding a full-time job and raising four daughters.

There are so many things I learned from my mom that I hope to pass on to my own kids. As I think about all my mom's wonderful qualities and things she did that make her such an amazing mother, there are two things in particular that I know have contributed significantly to making me the person I am today.

My mom showed up! "The most important thing a parent can do for a child is show up." When I was young, I took for granted the fact that my parents were always there for me. Now I realize how important it is just to show up for your kids. I know my parents were busy, but their priority was always us kids. When I think about all of the important events in my life, I always remember my parents there too...cheering me on. From showing my animals in 4-H, school choir concerts, church activities, and sports...I can't remember a time when they weren't there. Thank you for always being there and supporting me!

The other thing about my mom that I cherish is that she always encouraged my dreams and never discouraged me from dreaming big. I remember going through a time in my late teens and early twenties where I was really trying to find my 'place in the world.' I seemed to have a new career path every other week. First I wanted to go to Harvard to become a lawyer, then I wanted to be an author, then a teacher, then move to Nashville to pursue a singing career, then a travel agent, then a psychologist, then join the Peace Corp...and the list goes on and on. Regardless of what crazy "life plan" I came up with, my mom always supported it (no matter how insane it really was.) She told me there was nothing I couldn't do if I wanted it badly enough and was willing to work for it. She only wanted me to be happy. I knew that no matter what I decided to do with my life my mom would support me, and because of her continued support and encouragement I finally found my passion and pursued it. If I can pass on to my own kids even half of the wisdom my mom has given to me, I will consider myself successful. Thank you for not only being my mom, but for being my best friend and my hero. I love you mom!!!



My beautiful mom! I love you with all my heart...Pamela.

Light in the Darkness

I've never been able to tell you

what words can't even say.

What can I possibly do to repay you

for the gifts you so freely give?

The countless hours of

Heartache -

You suffered

For me.

You settle for little so that I can have more.

You lend your ear-and heart-

always accepting of all I say.

Never wavering in your faith that someday

I will become the person-

only you know I am.

Through times of discouragement

and times of doubt-

You were there-never judging-

just loving and being an example.

You are the sunlight that nourishes

My soul.

 

They say nothing compares to a

Mother's Love.

And now I am aware-

Only Christ could love as pure,

could carry the burden

endure the pain,

be the Rock you are.

All your efforts taken for granted-

Only to watch you give more.

I only regret it has taken me so long to see

My blindness.

 

I am surrounded by your warmth as

You shine-

My Light in the Darkness.

 

written by: Pamela Fagan