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.
lauralynnelliott.com 