My Mom

Today, as with everyday, I am grateful for my mother.  In the random wheel that put my thoughts and feelings inside this particular body, I couldn't have pulled a better confident, friend and mentor from the basket of mommies.  I know, I know... mixed metaphors aside.  I talk to my mother everyday, multiple times.  I value her opinion and depend on her input for decision making.

She has taught me so many valuable lessons... such as "killing them with kindness" and "use the rules to your advantage".  She taught me not to make threats but to make promises.  She ensured that I existed in a world of technology and that I know how to bake.  She suffered through 4-H, Girl Guides and Elementary School Christmas Concerts with her grimace forced into a shape of a smile.  She respected my privacy while being open and available to answer any question, no matter how challenging of a subject.  

The most important thing that she has taught me is that she is a person.  A beautifully flawed and silly person with quirks and foibles.  Those quirks and foibles are the spice that make her special, unique and my mom.  

I love you Mommy more than you can fathom. Thank you for all you do, all you have done and all you are going to do.

Violence

I witnessed a violent act today by someone who felt that they were justified by their actions. I have replayed the event in my mind many, many times and I am increasingly disturbed by the ease that someone can not only act out in a violent manner but to feel that it was justified. I like to feel that I live in a civilized society where those who feel cornered and scared can go to the authorities and be protected. That is what I would do if I felt in danger.

 Today I am grateful that I possess a calm mind that does not feel the instinctual need for violence. I am grateful that I trust our society's authorities to serve and protect when called upon. And mostly, I am grateful that I do not live my life in a place where violence is present or acceptable.