20 Things My Mom Taught Me

My Mom turns 50 this month and while that may seem young to some of my friends’ parents, to me (and to my Mom, I assume) it’s kind of a crazy thing to think about.

I grew up with parents who were much younger than most all the other parents who sat in the audience of my school plays. So, the idea that my parents would ever be considered “old” has always been inconceivable to me. Now, for the record, I don’t think that 50 is old, but it is a monumental birthday and it does have me reflecting on what 50 years of life means and thinking about all the amazing things I’ve learned from my Mom throughout my 27 years.

The idea of my Mom turning 50 also has me inspired because tomorrow, in honor of her 50^th, she will begin her 60 mile, 3-day walk for breast cancer with the Susan G. Komen foundation in Dallas. Three days, 20 miles a day, at 50 years old. I can’t confidently say that even now, in my late twenties, I could do such a thing. I’m so incredibly proud of her. More than words can say.

So, as we usher in my Mom’s birthday month, and the month during which she will complete one of the most physically demanding tasks she’s ever taken on (aside from having kids, of course, which I can confirm was awful – see #11 below) let’s run down the list of top things my Mom has taught me, in no particular order.

1. There’s nothing that queso and a margarita can’t fix.

2. Fun can be had anywhere. Joke a lot. Laugh more. Enjoy the company of the ones you’re with.

3. I should cherish the fact that I have curly hair. Too many people spend hundreds of dollars to get curls like mine (Mom included) so straightening them is an insult to nature.

Check out that 80’s perm!

4. Have hope, because nothing is more powerful than a little optimism and faith.

5. The 80’s had the best music, hands down. To this day, I can name every song title and artist on any given 80’s radio station. We used to play a game in the car where Mom would offer me money if I could correctly guest each song that came on our local 80’s channel. Eventually, I got so good that she had to stop offering money and offer praise instead.

6. When you love the song playing over the speakers at the grocery store, dance in the aisles. It isn’t weird, it’s exhilarating. You’ll never see these people again, so you might as well enjoy yourself whenever (and wherever) you can.

7. Forgive family as best you can. There’s no point in holding a grudge, because you can’t replace them.

8. There are a few foods that you simply cannot make a small amount of – homemade bread, green chile stew, scalloped potatoes, fruit salad, and banana pudding. Yes, the recipes make an absolute ton, but you can eat the leftovers for days and the truth is they taste better the next day anyway.

9. Answer your phone the first time Mom calls. Or immediately reply with a text. Otherwise she’ll think you’re dead.

10. Don’t even try to guess what she got you for Christmas, because nothing under the tree is what it appears to be. Whatever she got you has been removed from its original box, put in a new one, and likely has weights, noisy items, or bulky filling inside to convince you that what’s inside is something completely different.

11. When in labor get the epidural. Just do it. (I obviously haven’t put this into practice, but the passion with which my Mom reiterates this one to me every time we discuss the idea of me having children one day makes me think it may be worth taking into consideration.)

12. The person you choose to spend your life with should make you laugh, even when you’re mad at them. They should make you happy every day. Not all day every day, but every day.

13. When you smell something in the air that reminds you of a loved one – perfume or pipe tobacco for my grandma and grandpa, respectively – that means they are near you and thinking of you.

14. Even if you have no makeup on, put on some mascara or lashes. It really will make all the difference.

15. Always have a plan for things and make lots of lists so you don’t forget anything.

16. You’re never too old to dress up in something whimsical or run around like a kid. Forget what people tell you about “acting your age”, because people who say that are no fun.

17. When your parents do get old, make them a priority. You’re lucky to have them.

18. Confidence comes from within.

19. Choose the light side in life and in Star Wars.

20. Never, never, never give up. My mom is, by far, the most determined and fiercely dedicated person I know. When she sets her mind on something – a task, a goal, a project – she will, without a doubt, follow through. No matter how long it takes.

We’re talking about a woman who built a massive dollhouse by hand, complete with electricity and meticulously painted crown molding because she’d rather her grandkids have something handmade to play with than a cheap plastic thing you can buy at a store. A woman who handmade me a quilt of all my high school t-shirts without any previous quilting experience. A woman who, when my brother said she couldn’t do a pull-up, bought a pull-up bar to hang in her house and practice. A woman who went back to college in her late 40s. A woman who, in her 30s, did backflips on our trampoline because we wanted her to prove to us she still could. A woman who had a child at 16 and became the first student in her high school to graduate after getting pregnant. A woman who has owned multiple businesses throughout her career and is currently thriving at a job she loves.

A woman who, on her 50^th birthday, decided to celebrate not only by earning nearly $2,500 to benefit breast cancer but also by pledging to walk 60 miles in three days.

I texted her today to see if she’s excited about the walk tomorrow and she said that she is but that she feels nervous, too.

Mom, you shouldn’t be nervous at all, because there’s not a thing you’ve ever set your mind on that you haven’t accomplished. Many people talk about doing great things, me included, but you actually do them. If anyone can complete the walk this weekend, believe me, it’s you.

Happy 50^th birthday, Momma. I love you and you inspire me every day.