Happy Mother’s Day!
There was a time shortly after my mother died a little over four years ago that I didn’t think I’d ever be able to enjoy Mother’s Day again, missing her as I was and knowing that she would never again be there for her sage advice and steady presence that calmed my worst fears even in the darkest times. She was an unbelievable rock, all 105 lbs. of her, the foundation of everything I’ve ever accomplished in life, and her faith in me was unshakeable, far surpassing any faith I might ever have cultivated without her, in myself.
Now that I have kids of my own, I realize that’s the crux of motherhood — an unshakeable faith in your children that gives them the strength and the will and the courage to absolutely and without a doubt become the person they came to this earth to be. I pray that I can give my children that same ineffable gift because God knows the most important things in life are not things, and at our core, our only real task in life is to work our way toward wholeness.
Here’s what else I know. I’ve always gravitated toward women who have had more experience than me — often a generation or two ahead — women who could play the role of mentor in whatever endeavor I had undertaken. Maybe it’s because my grandmothers died before I was old enough to enjoy their company, not just as grandmothers, but as women. I’ve spent a good deal of time thinking about my own mother’s life, not just as my mother, but as a woman on her own journey, shining her own light, and it has given me great insight into my own inner-workings.
Today’s society focuses so much on youth, but that is a pitfall-laden path. The youth must make their own mistakes, yes, but doing so blindly leads to unnecessary hardship. Having a mentor who is even a dozen steps ahead helps you navigate life’s craggy paths with much more certainty. There’s a reason history repeats itself. People forget to go back and read the notes to review what came before, yet if we just asked a few questions of the right individuals, maybe we wouldn’t have to repeat all the drama in quite the same punishing fashion.
So this Mother’s Day, I’d like to extend my gratitude to all my surrogate mothers and mentors who have lent their ear and their wisdom, their guidance and creativity, their patience and expertise to the winding road that has been my own journey, to my friends and contemporaries, the women walking this path with me because where would we be without each other, right girls?!, and, of course, to my own mother whose spirit lives on in all kinds of surprising ways.
So ladies — whether you have kids, or dogs, or cats, or even a bearded dragon, I wish a most joyous Mother’s Day to you all.
May your day, and all the life in it, be lit from within.
pamlazos 5.10.20
Green Life Blue Water 
A super duper belated Mother’s Day to you, Pam! We’re weathering out a nasty storm here, and I’m relieved to be on a sort of “blog break”–a chance to catch up with everyone and maybe, perhaps, write a little? I hope you’re safe, too. Wisconsin’s riots will hopefully calm because of the storm, but only time will tell. Be safe!
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That we live in a world where the riots will be calmed because of a storm is just all to dystopian, Jean. What have we wrought?!😩
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I don’t know, Pam. I don’t know. 😦
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😩
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Beautiful post Pam!
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Thanks, friend.😘🥰
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Ah, the Mother!
Such a great roll, few even comprehend its importance, God itself in her role as the Mother. 🙂
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🙏👏❤️
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Well put Pam!
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Thank you, friend. 🥰
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Enjoyed this post, Pam.
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Thank you, Michael. 🤓
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Lovely post Pam dear. I love your line about the crux of motherhood being ‘an unshakeable faith in your children’. Yup. Beautifully expressed. Bravo.
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Lydia, my friend, so high up on the list of mentors – thank you. 🙏 I hope your Mother’s Day was swell. 💗💕❤️
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Beautifully put, Pam. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, and reminding me of the mentors from my own life.
I hope you’ve had a wonderful, if poignant Mother’s day.
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Thanks, Cath, and right back at you!💕
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Hi Pam – really wise and thoughtful words here – the value of the elderly seems to be lost in the world we had … there’s so much to be learnt along our journey of life. Our mother’s offer much – and afterwards still guide us with their values. Love this post – stay safe – Hilary
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Thank you, Hilary, and may I say that I think 🤔 how much the world 🌎 going to $#i+ is in direct proportion to how much we don’t listen to those with more experience. We don’t have to take every piece of advice ever offered, but if someone’s made it through 70 years on the planet relatively intact, then I want I hear what they have to say. Have a great day and happy Mother’s Day. Even if you don’t have kids, all women are mothers. 🥰😘💕
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Hi Pam – yes no kids … so can be quiet! Our Mother’s Day falls into the Christian Church – falling in Lent … but as everyone posts … I think about my Ma – though she went a few years before yours … take care and I do hope more people think while ‘we’re on hold’ … stay safe – Hilary
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Haha, an excellent thought about thinking on hold. A pregnant pause, perhaps?!🤣😂 Sorry, couldn’t resist, Hilary!
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It was Mother’s Day when I first read a post by you Pam. I think it showed up in my Reader. It touched me immensely as I also was close to my mother – your tribute made me well up. This is a beautiful tribute as well … we gained strength by being raised by a strong woman … I am glad you have had mentors and big shoulders to carry you as surrogates for your mom. You are blessed.
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Your memory never ceases to amaze me, Linda. Yes, grateful 🙏to have had such women lift us up, but as my sister reminds me, our mother is always nearby ready to lend an ear or some advice. I just have to get really quiet to hear it. I hope your Mother’s Day was lovely. 🥰😍❤️
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Thanks Pam – I remember the things that move me or really resonate with me.
Go out in the garden or a walk deep in the woods – all peace and quiet and you will hear it.
Mother’s Day was quiet as it is just me … I went to the River looking for wee ones, but no luck. I did see a gorgeous Mute Swan – no cygnets so will try again next week.
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🥰😘❤️
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What a lovely tribute to your own good mother Pam – such a treat to read! With so wonderful a role model I’m sure you are a shining beacon in the lives of your own kids as they grow into who they are meant to be. xo
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I can only hope, Pauline. 💕 🤞
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My best wishes to you, too, Pam ❤ Like you, lots of older women have been my mentors over the years.
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It really has made the difference, hasn’t it Rosaliene?😘
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It sure does 🙂
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💃
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Great post, such a wonderful day to celebrate life! 😊😄
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Thank you, Brandon. 🙏
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Happy Mother’s Day Pam ❤️ I think of my mother often and my perspective or perception of her particular journey and can only wonder. I wish I knew her more. So many wise women who have guided us, affirmed us, held us, wiped our tears – so much to honour and give thanks to. Thank you for this lovely post xx
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Thank you, Susan, and for all you contribute to the wisdom.
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Lovely pictures and words Pam, what a great tribute to the mothers and women and sisters in our lives! Happy Mothers’ Day to all!
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And to you a beautiful day, Cath!
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Lots of love yo you my lovely friend xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Back at you, warrior sister!🥰❤️
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Happy Mother’s Day to you, Pam. Enjoy!
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Thanks, Neil. I trust you will shower Sandy with kindness today. 🥰
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Beautifully written praise to all the women who have been there for you at different times.
miriam
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Thanks 🙏 Miriam, and a happy Mother’s Day to you. 😊
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I am so grateful to count you among my strong women friends. Thank you for your words today. And I thank your mother for giving you to us!
xo
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Right back at you, sister. It’s good to have a tribe. 🥰❤️💃
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Beautiful thoughts. I like your idea of “surrogate mothers and mentors who have lent their ear and their wisdom” for I’ve had a good many of them. Strong women help other strong women, regardless of familial relationships.
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Ah, so true, Ally. Thanks for being in my girl group!🤓😘
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