May 9, 2009
From my blackberry…Mother’s Day Musings


As I get some sun outside in my backyard, I am grateful for this moment to muse on Mother’s Day which is tomorrow. This has been a very revealing week for me and my two children still living with me. My twins, age 17 are boy/girl. We had a bit of a “blow up” and, of course, I had to deal with them both separately, which makes it twice as hard. Maybe I should write a book about raising my son and the twins. Am I really less than a year away from them turning 18?

My life keeps unfolding, evoking a wild variety of many emotions…some familiar and some not so much. Some feelings are scary and some wonderful beyond my wildest dreams. My kids have changed my life—shaping and molding the woman I am today, more than all my other experiences combined.

My daughter, 17, was born curious, determined, strong and fearless. Little did I know she had the makings of a national gymnastics champion. Ironically, last year on Mother’s Day, she won the USA-Gymnastics Women’s Western National Championship---first place All Around title-- with the highest score in her category in the entire nation. At that moment I thought, that’s my daughter, remembering that I stayed in bed for 14 weeks to allow her to develop into the world’s most beautiful baby girl. Being her mother is a gift beyond my wildest dreams and I strive to embrace that privilege with a commitment to being the best mom I can be.

My twin boy developed safely and comfortably in my belly, relishing in the exquisite company of his sister. He was born a bit smaller than she, but his strong will and indelible spirit quickly conveyed his brilliance. Along with his creativity and problem solving mastery, he is the most lovable, brilliant kid a mom could have. He has started his own business and continues to amaze me with his talents. Recently, we had a problem with our boat and were quoted $4000 to fix it. If I had not been strapped for cash, I would have paid it. Since I didn’t, it sat in a boat yard for over a year. My son decided to move it home to see if he could understand more about the problem. He discovered one incorrect diagnosis after another, and using the internet, fixed the boat all by himself. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that was going to happen. He doesn't say a lot these days (I learned this is normal behavior for teenagers). But when my son speaks, his ideas are conclusive and well thought out. Watching him grow from a 4lb baby boy into such a remarkable young man has been the privilege of a lifetime. I get excited, smile and fill up with love when I think of his face. In his eyes, I can see the face of God.

My oldest son graduates from college with a BS in electrical engineering 2 weeks from now. Words cannot possibly convey my depth of feeling for him. I don't know anyone more genuinely optimistic and loving than he is. And so very smart and level headed--so mature and kind. He is truly a gift to this world. Just ask his cute girlfriend! His birth changed me forever, from a carefree woman of 27 to someone capable of feeling exhilaration, grief, happiness, and sorrow beyond my wildest dreams. I recall our first four years together, when it was just the two of us, before my twins were born. My mom and I showered him with attention, celebrating each new accomplishment. He gave us joy we could touch and feel through our entire bodies—more than either of us could articulate at the time.


As a mother of three, I have experienced and become a part of a higher dimension. My children are a direct reflection of me, complete with all my talents and character defects. It’s often painful for me to "handle" but then I remember it is through these experiences that I become my best self. And, I am not alone. My mother and grandmother’s teachings guide my actions daily as if we are riding this train together. Or maybe we are riding bicycles fast through one of the most beautiful places in the world, with boundless energy and perfect health. That image feeds my sole.

This Mother's Day I'd like to pay tribute to the two women who have influenced me as a mother more than anyone else. They made me who I am now--a very, very proud and happy mother of three. Thanks to God for entrusting me with their care and well being. I am counting all my blessings this Mothers Day with a truly grateful heart.

Kimberlytoday.com