It wasn’t menacing but it was powerful, equal parts authoritative and nurturing. Special is the best I can describe it and although it didn’t last long, it felt like forever. I promise you, when her eyes caught yours, you felt as if nothing were impossible.
When my training wheels came off, when I learned to tie my shoes and the first time I stood up to the neighborhood bully, her stare was there. It was powerful and knew just what to say. Like the first time I boarded the bus for school with that, “I’m not coming home again” look on my face…her stare said, “Don’t worry, I’ll find you” …it was the best day ever.
My mother stared at my sister a lot; I mean a whole lot. I never knew why then but over the years, it became clear. She knew her time was short and she was about to leave this only girl in a house with 6 men; capable men, but none of them were women; all of them loved here dearly…but none of them were mothers.
You had (and still have) doubters who wonder if you can do “it” whatever “it” may be. They wondered if you would be able to survive Cancer…you beat it hands down…two forms at that. When others said your window had closed and you had too much going on to pursue a college degree you had the nerve to think different and here you…a college graduate.
Here’s my favorite…the ones who wondered how you would learn to cook…but family and friends…some of those same ones who said you’d never learn how come from miles away just to get a plate. Then they said you’d never be a good mother, “how, she barely had one herself” is what the whisper on the street was…but I challenge anyone to find one better.
People often wonder how you’re able to do all these things and so much more…well, here’s the secret…
She’s still staring….and she’s so proud that she can’t even begin to take her eyes off of you…
