Mom & me back in the day
Mother’s day is nearing and we all love our mamas. I thought about my relationship with my mom the other day when she was upset with me about something (doesn’t actually happen often now that we don’t live together) and realized for the millionth time how special it is. Like most girls, my mother was my main female role-model as well as who I aspired to be as a child… and like many girls (unfortunately) my parents were divorced. So that was definitely the catalyst for my mom to become my predominant parent. We’ve always been close, but it’s so interesting how that relationship changes as the child -me- becomes an adult. Since I’m completely supporting myself and have been for almost three years, she’s taken on the role of mentor/friend, but that doesn’t stop her from resorting to mom-mode every once and a while.
My 10th birthday
My mom has had such an interesting life and the most exciting part about it is that she’s entering a really exciting phase now. She’s got great things happening in her work, she looks amazing and she’s even dating again – for the first time in about seven years. When I think about it, there’s no other woman in my life that I know as well or that I’ve truly been through everything with, she almost provides a blueprint for me to use in my life. Here were the right decisions, here were the wrong ones. They’re there in my memory for me to personally to decipher and almost to judge – what to learn from or do differently as well as what to use as “gospel” for my own life. My mother is the only woman I feel I can truly know what she’s gone through. But, as I write this and think about my mom’s life, it almost reinforces how much I have yet to learn about her.
She’s the most amazing woman I know, so I feel pretty lucky to have her. Plus, I’m counting on her genes to look as good as she does at almost 57!!!
Mom & me - Recently
Love you mom!
The Window Shopper 
My darling, Payton….
I am writing this through tears…you always have had your own little way of melting my heart, haven’t you?
You are a gifted writer (which pleases me immensely, you know) and I treasure your thoughtful reflections on the long, winding road we have walked together…
Writing about the past has never been easy for me…. but you have a distinct ability to speak of our shared history with affirmation.
I know there have been many bumps for you along the way but you’ve always been able to speak the truth and graciously forgive me for the missteps and mistakes. You’ve given me a precious, literary kiss on the cheek..the best kind of gift …ever. Needless to say, I am proud of you. More than anything, I’m so thankful to be the one you call “Mom”.
We’ve been loving each other a long time, haven’t we?
Sweet and beautiful Payton,
You write with such feeling and conviction. I’m proud of the way you’ve matured and become your Mom’s great friend.
She is indeed a very cool woman. I feel fortunate to know you both.
Love,
Mary Ann