Gifts from My Dying Mother.
Today, March 11 would have been my Mother’s birthday.
Anyone who knew my mother, Lola Maki would tell you certainly she had many great flaws; more than some – less than others. She lived an imperfect life, for sure, but in my mind she gave to me many valuable gifts. Today, on her Birthday I want to tell you the Birthday gifts she imparted to me.
Lola gave me the ability to cook. She told me “the chics dig it”. So I learned. I learned it well and she was correct.
She taught me how to grow a garden so I would always be able to feed myself and my family. A gift that keeps on giving.
She taught me how to sew, iron my own shirts, and do my own laundry although I have not been accused of much of that behavior lately.
She gave through example, a dedicated work ethic. That is something I will use throughout my lifetime.
I attribute my sense of humor greatly to her ability to laugh in the face of hardship.
And in her passing; a three year process of chemotherapy and radiation treatments spurred by her deep love and respect for us, I received the most valuable gifts of all.
I was privileged to spend much of her last days escorting my own mother to Doctor Appointments, surgeries and ultimately, to the edge of this mortal existence. With the help of my siblings we skillfully, with much dignity helped my mother die on her own terms, such as she could control.
I learned that compassion is a skill. Giving comfort is our duty. Patience is not just a virtue it is a vital component of Love. I was given a reminder that life is too short and its’ circular nature puts all of us at God’s mercy and often at the discretion of the choices of others.
I received a deeper love for my own children as they observed their Grandmother’s passing. I learned that setting a good example of kindness and stewardship is my gift to them. They were witness to four siblings completing life’s circular path and laying a loved one to rest physically, spiritually and mentally. These were my mother’s gift to us. That is our gift to them. It is my hope and prayer that these gifts are perfect and will be passed on forever more.
Happy birthday mom. Thank you for the gifts.
Lola Maki With Dog (Rosie) July 2001
- 'No new videos.'
March 11th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Clint, what a gift your mom had…. that being you!!! Reading this brought tears to my eyes, as it will be one year since my mom passed away on March 13th!! She passed on all these wonderful gifts for me also!! Thanks for sharing!!
Trish
March 11th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Clint,
Those are powerful thoughts. She sounds perfect to me.
Andy
March 11th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Clint,
This is beautifully written. What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing!
March 12th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Lovely tribute, Clint. Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman. You were blessed, and now are blessing others.
March 12th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
What a beautiful, deeply touching article about an obviously wonderful human being who gave much to her children, and from a son who so obviously loved (and loves) her.
March 13th, 2010 at 12:49 am
Clint, you are an awesome son to see the gifts she left for you. I thank you for paying close attention to wisdom.
She sounds like a wonderful mother and she would be proud to know that you
have learned these valuable lessons.
May 7th, 2011 at 4:58 am
Clint,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your mother in this touching blog post. As my Italian mother-in-law would say “Lola done good” meaning she raised you well.
Knowing you, I can say that with certainty that the traits your mom passed down to you are being instilled not only to your own family but to society as a whole.
Happy Birthday and Mother’s Day Lola Maki!
February 5th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Wonderfully written Clint… I dread that day, however, I know she’ll be ok
It’s a wonderful relationship a son has with a Mother … It’s the appreciation we have in life that makes this journey so wonderful..