Wednesday, October 04, 2006

WHEN I GROW UP...












I have chosen a "profession" for which I have received some scrutiny, some praise, and some flabbergastment. When I was small, my Mom would tell me, "Honey, you can be anything you want. You could be a nurse, or even a doctor. You could go to dental school." I would listen as I sat on the counter, and watch her stir the sweet, thickening jam made from our trip to the U-Pick strawberry patch the previous day. I would think about that as I watched her rinse the fresh, still-warm-from-the-sun tomatoes, squash, and peppers from our garden, and throw together a delicious dinner without a cookbook. She would encourage me to get as much education as possible, to find a career. She would then load us all up in the VW camper bus and take us to the lake for the day, picnic and floaties in tow, or a neighborhood fair, or Pike's Place market. She taught me how to scrub a bathroom and dust the house before I could jump rope, and she organized chore charts to keep the house, and us, running smoothly. She took care of us when we were sick and always seemed to know the remedy, and when to take us to the Dr.'s office. "You could do so much. You are so smart!", she would declare, as she and I made visits to women in our church, sharing uplifting messages and plates of cookies. I watched her mow the lawn with a determined look on her face, heard the clinking of dishes being washed and put away as I fell asleep at night, helped her make beds in the morning. "You can be anything you want to be...don't settle for less." Sometimes there would be a longing in her voice, on a particularly hectic day; those days when things do not go so well, and we doubt ourselves. But I remember the serenity on her face as she watched us baboons run about, just watching in amazement and gratification. Or, her satisfaction of a clean house as she plopped down to read a magazine, or write a letter. Her independence in exploring her corner of the world and opening our eyes to it. Her pride in our accomplishments. Teaching, always teaching. I knew what I wanted to be. How thankful I am to be a house-wife, a stay-at-home-Mom, a handy-woman, a comforter, a coach, an explorer, a gardener, a chef, a nurturer, an organizer, a dancer, a singer, a disciplinarian, a scriptorian, a teacher... a student of life. I have a college education, and when the kids are gone, I will probably go back to school, see what else I can do. I have travelled. I have had a business. I have worked HARD and have met with discouragement, even despair. But nothing, NO OTHER EXPERIENCE, could make me feel more accomplished, more well-rounded, more needed, more in-tune with life and its meanings, more loved, than running my home, raising my kids, making my spot of Earth find its potential. What a challenge... and I love a challenge! Thanks, Mom, for teaching me to be anything I want. Thanks, Brandon, my love, for helping me to be.

6 comments:

Krista said...

Andy,
Thanks, Man. Its good to hear from you. We will be getting out our mukluks soon, I am sure. I am encouraging the kids to be warm things for Halloween... marshmallows, furry animals, big bottles of ketchup. Its hard to stuff princesses and ninjas. Enjoy your crocodiles and hurricanes, and keep in touch.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for that tribute to your Mom. She was always trying to encourage all of you kids to get an education and to think BIG about your careers. She wanted you all to have many choices without limitations if possible. That way you could choose a way of life that would be enjoyable and fulfilling to you. She has always wanted nothing but the best for all of you. She is my forever companion and best friend. Thanks again, Kris.

Anonymous said...

I love you, sweetie! It is the most heartwarming thing to know that your daughter finds the same kind of reward in being a mother and homemaker as you did. I still miss my own little ones living under this roof, safely tucked into their beds...notice, I'm remembering the quiet times ?!...no, wouldn't have traded the rich life of craziness, noise, laughter, hugs, tears, kisses, and amazing growth that only having this "family experience" can bring. Thanks for the happy memories..good to know you remember I loved being the mom of such amazing kids....and look at the results! Wow...no complaints here! And wait till your own grandkids come...even more frosting on the cake!

Shelli said...

Hey! I'm finally catching up as we have a computer now. Beautiful post!! That captures mom perfectly, and her awesome example of motherhood. She made me want to be doing exactly what I am doing, and I can honestly say it is the best job in the world.

Toni C. said...

Hey Krista -

I have to chime in and tell you what a beautiful post this is. Beautiful pictures of beautiful women and a wonderful tribute to "Mom A" and yourself. I have always loved your family and the example you have set for me. You have put all of our feelings into words as only you can.
Love always, toni

Anonymous said...

I love my daughters, and that includes you, too, Toni. Miss You! Next time you're in town, come on by. Thanks for the sweet words. I sure miss the days of having our daughters' friends over. We loved waking and looking down on the living room from the loft and seeing several sleeping beauties sprawled all over the place...then there was the caroling together, piano music, the giggles and fun times. Happy memories! Love, "Mom A"