For My Mother

It occurs to be that I am drawn to powerful women, not just in my taste in pop culture (i.e. Bethenny Frankel, Samantha Brown, Kathy Griffin, Sandra Day O’Connor, Annie Leibovitz, Marlo Thomas, Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall), but also in my personal life. I am surrounded by strong woman living their lives carrying out tradition and raising their families no matter what personal sacrifices come their way. It is something I am so use to that it actually hadn’t dawned on me until recently. So I thought it was an appropriate time to reflect on the mothers of our society. As it was once said, "it takes a village", and no matter what your circumstance there has no doubt been some female in your life that has inspired you, even if it is Oprah, lucky Gayle.

I happen to be very lucky and am very close to my mother. She will most likely comment on this blog. But she is also the person that can drive me to my wits end. I found a magnet once that said, “A mother is a friend who gets on your nerves more than most.” I found it amusing and true so you know I bought it.

I liken our relationship to the bond Dorothy and Sophia have on Golden Girls. We may fight but at the end of the day it’s because we are so much alike and only want what is best for one another. I have always like the lyrics to the song “Look Over There” in the musical La Cage Aux Folles. I think they sum up our relationship pretty well:

How often is someone concerned

With the tiniest thread of your life?

Concerned with whatever you feel

And whatever you touch?

Look over there.

Look over there.

Somebody cares that much.

How often does somebody sense

That you need them without being told?

When you have a hurt in your heart

You're too proud to disclose?

Look over there.

Look over there.

Somebody always knows.

When your world spins too fast,

And your bubble has burst,

Someone puts himself last,

So that you can come first.

So count all the loves who will love you

From now 'til the end of your life,

And when you have added the loves

Who have loved you before,

Look over there.

Look over there.

Somebody loves you more...

When your world spins too fast,

And your bubble has burst,

Someone puts himself last,

So that you can come first.

So count all the loves who will love you

From now 'til the end of your life.

and when you have added the loves

Who have loved me before,

Look over there.

Look over there.

Somebody loves me more...

But this is not my mother’s favorite song. She adores Barbra Streisand. So here is a song in honor of her.

Like I said earlier, I believe Mothers Day is an important day to celebrate all of wonderful women in our lives who “mother” us. So I dedicate this blog to the many I am blessed to have in my life: my aunts, godmothers, cousins, best friends, neighbors, and especially those who are more like sisters; you all know who you are.

I idolize these women for they have made me who I am today. I am better for knowing them and hopefully one day I will be a wonderful mother just like them. For now I am happy to be the best godmother and aunt I can be.

Happy Mothers Day!