Sent in by: Caitlin Giles
Who are you nominating as the Ultimate Mom? Joanne Murray
Your relationship with her? Daughter
My Mom is so flipping happy and optimistic all of the time. If there is a silver lining in the darkest cloud, she can see it and you better believe that she is going to point it out so that you can see it too. When I was younger, I found this sunny attitude kind of annoying. I would come to her with some sob story or complaint and want her to commiserate with me -- which she was never willing to do. Instead, she would say things like, "Let's focus on the lesson to be learned here," or "Instead of being angry with your friend, why not try to see things from her perspective." See how this type of talk could really perturb a moody teenager?
As an adult, I find myself trying to emulate her 100 percent positive approach to life because I have seen how my Mom's most excellent attitude has seen her through some tough times and kept her kind, giving, loving self intact.
The past few years have been particularly tough for my Mom. In the spring of 2005, my Dad got really sick really fast. And my Mom was there for every devastating moment. In fact, she continued to care for him through over three years of health crises -- everything from a liver transplant to an amputation to thrice weekly dialysis sessions. Quite simply, she did everything she could to keep him alive for as long as she could. And she did an amazing job, despite the personal consequences to her (which included the loss of her job and basically any personal life). Life as she knew it totally collapsed and she was able to smile through it all and appreciate the bright spots.
In June of 2008, my very sick Dad attended my sister's wedding. He danced with her, in fact. And nine days later, he died.
In the months since my Dad's death, my Mom has pressed on -- happily. Of course, the loss of her husband has been a major adjustment for her. But she has filled her time with friends and family -- most notably her five (soon-to-be six) grandchildren. Last month, at the age of sixty-two, she started a new full-time job. She even has a new Blackberry (pretty cool for a sixty-two year-old grandma, right?).
She is facing this new chapter in the same way that she has every other stage of her life (which includes two bouts with cancer and a myriad of other tough things that I won't get into here). She is her ever-optimistic and positive self. I know that she will be able to handle this new challenge with her signature grace and positive attitude. The sun shines on for her.
* What would a Mother's Day gift of "A day of beauty @ the Ulta Spa" mean to her?
My Mom is not one to overly indulge. She had a manicure on her wedding day (way back in the early seventies) and then she waited several decades to have another one.
This lady deserves some pampering.
9 comments:
"Saint Joanne", as she was known by some of her late husband's former colleagues, truly deserves this recognition and pampering. She is truly a wonderful woman.
Marge Ferroli
She is a living saint. When my best friend and I (he is her nephew) helped clean out their house a few years ago she let me keep some of her old books. I happened to choose something by Walker Percy, I didn't know much about him, but I'd heard good things. Now, after having taken a class on the man, I realize how nice it was to have let me take such a great book. But that was not all. After opening the book I realized that it was a SIGNED FIRST EDITION. I asked Matt to make sure she knew, once I did, and not only did he relay that she knew, but he said that she had known all along. She somehow found out that I liked reading, she must have known that I'd appreciate that book, and she wanted me to have it. I didn't even know her that well, and she still managed to touch my heart and become a part of my life. Thank you so much, Aunt Joanne. I will certainly be voting for you. I would hope that others do the same. God bless.
She sounds awesome, and if she's anything like you, I think she is deserving!
A day of pampering is the least one could do for a truly amazing woman like your mom... beautifully written, Caitlin
Caitlin went to school with my son and nothing is exaggerated about Joanne. I've admired her since she first had cancer. She's truly a saint among us and she'll always make you feel like you're the special one.
Mary Fran :)
Joanne's story is awesome! I feel so privileged to have read it! Joanne, you are an inspiration to me as a mom and woman! I hope you win the grand prize!!!
Jennifer K
Caitlin, this is such a wonderful post to honor your Mom!
Steph
Your mom reminds me a lot of my own mom...a strong, independent woman who makes the best of even the worst situation.
What a great write up about your mom Caitlin! Thank you for sharing and best of luck since she's made it to the top 3!
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