As I sat in my comfortable chair this morning, sipping my chai latte and reading a Nora Roberts’ novel The Obsession, it occurred to me how much my mother has influenced my life.
Many of my favorite authors now, were her favorite authors too. Nora Roberts, Tony Hillerman, and of course-J. K. Rowling!
Mom was a coffee drinker, always started her day off with a cup of coffee. Sorry Mom, I never did acquire the taste for coffee, but my chai latte is a perfect substitute.
And it occurred to me all the ways that she had influenced my life, and that she had so much to do with who I am today.
Mom and me when I was about 3 years old
When I came home from living in Europe, Mom took me to a new church she found and started me on the path of my spiritual awareness. She and I spent many Sundays, especially the last few years of her life, going to church together. And I loved sitting with her on a Sunday afternoon having deep spiritual conversations. I miss that so much!
She had so much faith in me, and saw more in me than I often saw in myself. Today I see what she saw, and I wish she was here so I could tell her.
Much of who I am today, is a result of my mother’s love and faith in me. She taught me the importance of honesty, hard work, spirituality, family, friends, and patience. She taught me to be creative, to let my mind see the possibilities, to be a visionary. She also taught me to enjoy life, to laugh, to have fun. And above all – experience the adventure of it all.
Thank you, Mom.
Ann Rutledge Feb 3, 1937-March 13, 2010