things I've learned from my mom

Abraham Lincoln once said: All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.  And I join him in that sentiment.  My angel mother has taught me so much and supported me through it all.  And while she hates talks about mothers, if I were to write one today, it might go something like this.   

A few things that I've learned from Mom:

1)

Use what you've got

- The wholesaler doesn't always give you exactly the flowers that you ordered but by using what is available and a few cans of spray paint, beautiful things can happen.  True in floral arrangements and in life.  

2)

Take risks

- Step outside your comfort zone because you never know what you'll find.  

3)

Set boundaries

- Some things you don't need to learn (or relearn) from experience.  

4)

Seek out opportunities to serve

- Whether it's teaching english to immigrants or taking time to spend with someone who is lonely, there are countless ways to serve.  

5)

Keep learning

- She taught me how to knit, crochet, quilt, sew, cook, arrange flowers, prune trees, plant flowers, paint, hang wallpaper and countless other skills.  There is no end of useful skills to be acquired. 

6)

I'm not always right

- My opinions are occasionally based upon an incomplete understanding.  My mom isn't the only person to ever tell me this, but she has a way of making me listen.    

7)

I can do hard thing

- I know that I can do hard things because I've watched in awe as my mom does incredible things.  

8)

My sisters can be my best friends

- Because she is close with her sisters, I know that I will always be close with mine.  

There is no way to encapsulate in a simple list all of the lessons that my Mom has taught me.  I continue to learn from her and to feel her love and draw courage from her support.  I am truly blessed to have such a remarkable mother.