People were always drawn to my mom. As far back as I can remember, people were dropping by, stopping her in the malls or calling her for an chat. Even when she wasn’t present, people would ask if Jean was my mom and then they would go on about how great of a woman she was. I miss my mom every day. I’ve never really met anyone quite like her.
So, as I look back on her life and her encounters with others, two traits stand out above all others. The first is she had no “airs” about her. She treated everyone as if they were special and when you were in her presence, you felt that you were truly being listened to and cared about. She did that with everyone. She never really told you about herself and if you pried it out of her, it was authentic. She didn’t simply focus on herself in any story but rather would inflate the presence of others. She was far too humble for that. My mom was so wonderful to talk to, my girlfriends used to drop by knowing I wasn’t home so that they could chat with her . . . even after we broke up. She truly was a gem.
The second trait – she was always quick to laugh. Whether she was laughing at the ridiculous antics her and some of her pals used to get into, or the silliness of her grandkids, she laughed and it was contagious. She could pull anyone out of a bad mood. My nephew, a photographer down in the states, once took a quick picture of my mom laughing in conversation. Every time I look at it, I can’t help but smile. She laughed with her whole body and she laughed regularly. It made everyone smile.
My mom’s attitude towards the world was hopeful and joyful. I try to emulate it in my life but I really need to work at it. I try to not to be too prideful and, like my mom, see Christ in everyone. I try to laugh often and listen completely but like I mentioned – a work in progress. In doing so, I remember the legacy my mom left with us. She’s a model for me and for all that met her. She’s the type of person I strive to be. She was the type of person the world needs – especially now.
In this crazy time of COVID, political polarization and environmental crisis, it’s easy to become overly protective and cautious in the way we approach the world. In doing so, we are also modeling for our children how to navigate these tricky waters. This is where I turn to the example of my mother – be humble and laugh lots. Always model grace. It might just fix some of these issues we’re currently going through.
So, who’s your model? What traits did they have that you emulate? I’d love to hear about them!
Keep learning and stay healthy!
Dave
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