Note to my Mom - On Mother's Day
I would like to thank my mom for her persistence and her nagging. Persistence for raising a child with chronic complaints. She knew I did not sleep well, she knew I had joint pain and she knew I seemed to catch everything that was going around. She could have thought I was faking it, to get out of school, or exaggerating to get attention. Instead she brought me to the doctors, until the doctors themselves could not deny something was going on, even if they did not know what. Thus my odd blood work was watched bi-annually and I saw more than my fair share of specialists. Many things were ruled out a young age and without this persistence, this understanding, it would have been years before I received the treatment I needed. Just having that one person on my side, fighting for my needs made and makes a great deal of difference. I may have been frustrated with finding a diagnosis, but I never felt like anyone thought I was crazy or a hypochondriac, not with my mom on my side.
I have to thank her for her nagging. She is an informed parent. She did her research on any diagnosis I received; what dietary additions might be helpful and what vitamins, minerals and herbs to try. Encouraging me, persistently, to help me help myself. She was always helping me become an informed patient, who knew what to demand and when it was not enough. While it may drive me nuts trying all these things, I do try. But more so, it is the fact that she tries to help, the best way she can. She cares enough to pay attention to articles she reads, news she hears and books she reads, to pass along to me. She cares enough to buy me something to try out.
She does not make me feel inadequate or that I do not try hard enough to cure myself. Never has she made me feel guilty for not going to school or not working because of my health. Never have I felt like a chronic complainer, when I tell her honestly and truthfully how I feel. Never has she made me feel like I don't do enough. She has always encouraged me to find solutions, or compromises, but never made me feel as though it is some failure on my part if any medical or alternative treatment does not cut it.
So here is to my mom, cause she is on my side.
Essay written by Nikki Albert © 2008 butyoudontlooksick.com
Comments
You are truly blessed. I wish my mother could have been supportive of me, but from her I learned to listen to my own children, knowing what it felt like to be ignored or belittled. I am so happy your mother is so wonderful, that is the greatest gift anyone could give. I'm also happy that you appreciate it, that's the greatest gift you could ever give your mother.
Posted by: Caroline | May 8, 2008 08:53 AM
You took the words right out of my mouth. You said it wonderfully. She is my rock, my best friend. There are many times I don't know what I would have done without her support. I thank God daily for her.
Posted by: Tammy Castleberry | May 8, 2008 12:06 PM
I don't know what URL means.But my dauther sent me this e-mail . And it was so nice and may help a
nice person who needs a lift. Thank You Elaine.
Posted by: Elaine M Phillips | May 8, 2008 05:11 PM
What a wonderful commentary on your special mom. Although I no longer have mine with me except as an angel, I remember her words of support as I was growing up and then grown with my own children. Thank you for helping me remember at this special Mom's Day time.
Posted by: Darcy Shaw | May 8, 2008 06:23 PM
Like some, my mother did not have what she needed to be nurturing. When I read your lovely note about your mom I learned a little more about what love and taking care of yourself and your children looks like.
On the flip side I understand a little more about the gratitude a child may have for their moms.
I will hold this in my heart for Mothers day.
Posted by: Allyson | May 9, 2008 02:28 PM
I felt the desire to write this because I got to thinking about how others, with a negative outlook, or loved ones who are indifferent or critisizing, can effect my mood, which then affects my ability to cope, my desire to try. Yet, when you around those that truly care and others that are at least understanding and in a good mood... that makes it so much easier for me to cope. And my mother is the one person that stand out in my life that fits to role of helpful and supportive. It is indeed a valuable gift to have and so I ought to show my appriciation, to show how much that means to me, and has meant to me in the past. I am glad it brought plesant memories to mind on your own mother. And I know how horrible it can be when your family causes a negative influence and how destructive it can be on a persons mood and self esteem.
Posted by: Nikki | May 10, 2008 02:12 AM