One day, when I was about eleven or twelve, I asked my mom what she wanted to be when she grew up. She looked at me with a sad little half-smile and said, "My mom never told me I could be anything I wanted to be. So...I didn't have a dream."
To this day, my heart breaks when I remember this. From the moment I could talk, and I'm sure way before that, my mom told me I could be whatever I wanted to be. That the world was mine for the taking. Dream big, she'd say. Dream big and reach for the stars.
And I always have. From the time I was eight years old and wanted to be a veterinarian to when I was thirteen and wanted to be a superstar singer. Even now, I dream of publication and my books in the hands of people everywhere.
I still dream.
I try to imagine sometimes what it would have been like growing up with a mom who never told me to dream. Who never said I could be anything I wanted to be. It's a sad thought. I wouldn't be who I am now without my mother's words of encouragement. I wouldn't be who I am now without her love and acceptance.
A few years ago, I came out to my mom. I was twenty-two and even I was surprised by this revelation. Scared to death, I told her, terrified that she would disown me. But she just smiled and opened her arms, hugged me and said she'd always love me, no matter what. I know I'm lucky to have a mom like that. Someone so accepting, in spite of her Christian upbringing and pastor sister and Bible-thumping mother. I thank God that she is so accepting of Dana and loves her as if she were her own daughter.
My mother is an amazing woman who has persevered through so much. This Mother's Day, I am even more thankful to have her. Last year, we almost lost her to a heart condition we didn't know she had. But, stubborn woman that she is, she came out if it strong and positive. And she's here to celebrate Mother's Day with us. She's here every time I get discouraged and sure that I shouldn't waste my time writing to encourage me and tell me I can do it.
My mom...she's my hero. Her strength and positive attitude are things that I hope I inherited from her.
Thank you, Mom, for all you've done and all you continue to do. Your love and acceptance and faith in me mean so much more than you'll ever know.
Happy Mother's Day.
To this day, my heart breaks when I remember this. From the moment I could talk, and I'm sure way before that, my mom told me I could be whatever I wanted to be. That the world was mine for the taking. Dream big, she'd say. Dream big and reach for the stars.
And I always have. From the time I was eight years old and wanted to be a veterinarian to when I was thirteen and wanted to be a superstar singer. Even now, I dream of publication and my books in the hands of people everywhere.
I still dream.
I try to imagine sometimes what it would have been like growing up with a mom who never told me to dream. Who never said I could be anything I wanted to be. It's a sad thought. I wouldn't be who I am now without my mother's words of encouragement. I wouldn't be who I am now without her love and acceptance.
A few years ago, I came out to my mom. I was twenty-two and even I was surprised by this revelation. Scared to death, I told her, terrified that she would disown me. But she just smiled and opened her arms, hugged me and said she'd always love me, no matter what. I know I'm lucky to have a mom like that. Someone so accepting, in spite of her Christian upbringing and pastor sister and Bible-thumping mother. I thank God that she is so accepting of Dana and loves her as if she were her own daughter.
My mother is an amazing woman who has persevered through so much. This Mother's Day, I am even more thankful to have her. Last year, we almost lost her to a heart condition we didn't know she had. But, stubborn woman that she is, she came out if it strong and positive. And she's here to celebrate Mother's Day with us. She's here every time I get discouraged and sure that I shouldn't waste my time writing to encourage me and tell me I can do it.
My mom...she's my hero. Her strength and positive attitude are things that I hope I inherited from her.
Thank you, Mom, for all you've done and all you continue to do. Your love and acceptance and faith in me mean so much more than you'll ever know.
Happy Mother's Day.