People tell me I’m nice. They tell me I’m kind and generous. I don’t see myself as anything but a normal, flawed individual, maybe even a little selfish, but my heart fills with joy when I see and hear things said about me that I didn’t realize people thought. I WANT to be that kind of person. I just didn’t realize so many people see me that way. It brings tears to my eyes that I have touched people in a good way. I have to admit, I love people. I try to see the best in them, even when it’s hard.
I know exactly WHY I am nice. It’s because of my mother. I grew up in a single parent home; my dad and mom divorced when I was very young. But I never lacked for love. My mom showered love and care on my brother and me every day of our lives. We didn’t have much money back when I was a child, but my mom never let my brother and me know that. She just did the best she could, and we never lacked for anything, even though she sometimes wondered how she was going to buy groceries. My mom taught me that we shouldn’t judge people because they were different. I had a friend in school who was made fun of by others, but I never shunned her because of it. I remember my mom telling me how proud she was because I befriended this girl. Didn’t Mom realize that it was because of HER that I didn’t judge people? I never cared if someone was cool or popular. I chose my friends because I liked them. I learned that from my mom.
I feel so bad for people who didn’t have a happy childhood or people who say they don’t get along with their mothers. It’s so sad, and I wish I could change that for them. Because I know what it’s like to have a mother who is kind, loving, and generous. A mother whom EVERYONE likes. And yet a mother who will NOT let someone walk all over her. Believe me, no matter how nice she is, she WILL speak her mind. She’s honest to a fault. She’s a lot of fun. She’s done so much over the years to help my brother, my sons, and me.
I get so busy sometimes, that I don’t see her as often as I should, even though she just lives through the woods from me. Yesterday was great because I got to see her for two meals. And I also got to spend time with my husband, my sons and their families, and my mother-in-law. Yesterday was a wonderful family day. I am truly blessed and thankful.
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We’ve never met but I consider you one of the nicest people I know. š You’re usually upbeat and look on the positive side.
Thank you, Emma. That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. š
That’s a lovely post, and you are definitely a truly nice person. It’s pretty hard to find people who don’t judge or put in the effort to see the good in people. Your mother must rock. š
I learned how to be kind from books, but it didn’t stick ’cause I’m kinda mean. š Seriously though, it says a lot when somebody learns how to be a good person from another person’s actions because a lot of people know the right things to say but don’t naturally act that way.
I don’t have that kind of relationship with a parent, but I’ll do whatever it takes to have my kids feel that way about me when they’re fully grown. In my case, it’ll take a serious amount of bribery though. š
Thank you so much, Claire. I’ve never found you to be mean. Maybe you’re just outspoken and won’t take any crap. You’re always been nice to me. š
I’m sure your kids will feel that way about you. Bribes or not. LOL
That is so beautiful. š
Like you, I’ve been blessed with a happy childhood. My mom has gone on to Heaven, but I’m thankful for the time I had with her.
That is so awesome to hear more about you and your mom. I sense that you two are two very sweet and humble people.
I sort of had the feeling you had a happy childhood.
One thing we have in common…we both like your books! š