Greetings my friends!
I reach out cheerfully each year to acknowledge and wish everyone a happy Mother’s Day but this year feels different…
I lost my MOM less than five weeks ago so this will be the first Mother’s Day without her. My family gathered last week in Florida to mourn this huge loss and to celebrate a live well lived.
MUFFY was the HUB of the DURKIN wheel. I miss picking up the phone and calling her. Some of us called her everyday. With eight kids, living in four different states, she was the one who managed to keep us well connected. FAMILY was what she lived for! No one will ever replace her but her legacy and what she instilled in me will live on.
These are the TOP 5 things MY MOM taught ME: (in no particular order)
1. ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH!
Growing up, she taught me the importance of HONESTY and to never lie. She instilled in me that the TRUTH always comes out. I remember her saying this over and over- even if she just wanted to know who left their dishes in the sink - fess up & tell the truth.
(PS. I think she was highly intuitive and always knew the truth anyway.)
2. DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!
My MOM taught me to follow my heart. Through acceptance and encouragement, I learned from her the value of being true to myself and living an authentic life. With full disclosure, my father challenged a lot of my choices in my earlier years- calling them rebellious. On the other hand, when I backpacked around Europe after college and then went off to massage school, my Mom said DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. She knew I was following my unique calling. Thank you Mama Muffy for this incredible gift!
3. Be NICE. Be KIND. Be CARING.
My MOM embodied LOVE. Besides being a Mom to eight, MUFFY was also a NURSE- RN. She attended a Catholic Nursing School in the early 50’s and took a vow to care for others. I have often said MUFFY embodied MOTHER THERESA. With or without her white cap and navy blue cape- she had SUPER POWERS that radiated to everyone she came in contact with. I am sure she earned her wings.
Thank you MOM for teaching me that LOVE WINS!
4. LOOK for the GOOD!
My Mom was a lot like Mary Poppins! She taught me complaining was a waste of time and energy. She had a unique way of taking the high road and rising above whatever was going on. She was the least judgemental person I have ever met - always looking for commonality instead of differences.
Thank you MOM for teaching me to choose OPTIMISM!
5. ENJOY the SIMPLE THINGS in LIFE!
My MOM found meaning and purpose in the everyday tasks of life. Whether it was her daily chores- cleaning the house or making dinner, she truly enjoyed peeling potatoes, washing dishes, cutting coupons and grocery shopping. I marveled at watching her over the years and decades showing up in the mundane everyday tasks of life, with acceptance and cheerfulness. Never complaining.
There’s a saying in Zen Buddhism, “CHOP WOOD, CARRY WATER.”
My Mom lived this way and taught me that Enlightenment isn’t about escaping the mundane but showing up with full presence and your heart open.
Thank you MOM for being my biggest and bestest spiritual teacher!
You may be gone but will never be forgotten!
I will miss you forever!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the MOMs out there and a special connection now with all those who are missing their Mamas. Feel free to share with me - what are the biggest things that your mom taught you? I’d love to know and compare notes.
Patti
PS. About 10 years ago, my niece Brooke learned the CUP SONG and taught it to her cousin Madeline. They performed it all summer with red SOLO cups on my dining room table. My MOM loved it and sang along. She asked that it be sung at her funeral
Thank you Brooke & Madeline!
Thank you Brooke & Madeline!