We all love our moms, or at least I hope we do. So in honor of International Woman’s Day, I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone that I would choose to write about my mom and how she has inspired me to be the person I am today.
I could write a million stories about my mom and the things she has done for me personally, however this comment I am about to share with you struck a chord. Last Friday I was at a gathering where I saw some women I hadn’t seen in years. My mom wasn’t in attendance, but she somehow got brought up. Perhaps for her keen sense of fashion or her vacation she was leaving for the next day. I’m not really sure. I was too busy talking to hear the whole story!!! Haha. At any rate, one of the women who had previously worked with my mom said to another woman, “have you met Alissa’s mom? She is one of the most selfless and giving people I have ever met. Both of her parents are, they are awesome.” I mean I know I have always thought my mom is amazing but when you hear someone say it that is merely an aquaintance at this point of life, you feel pretty darn honored to be her daughter. Just as an example, my mom once covered a leave at the grade school in the small town I’m from. The woman had breast cancer(I believe), a 4 month old, and needed to take time off to get her chemo treatments. At the end of the leave, my mom donated her entire paycheck for the time she covered her classroom to the woman. I don’t care how much money you have or don’t have in this world, it takes a pretty special person to donate their time and money to anyone. This is just one example that came to mind when I decided to write about my mom. To be honest, the school asked to interview her regarding her donation and she politely declined. It wasn’t about her, it wasn’t about giving the money, it was about the woman getting better and having the financials to pay for all of her medical care.
So today when I saw this quote everyone was posting, “here’s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.” I felt inspired, inspired to share this story about my mom. She sure did raise my 2 brothers and I, and if I turn out to be half of the mother she is I will consider it a SUCCESS!
