Happy Mother's Day

"The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence, when only the heart speaks." ~Carrie Latet

I have had many good conversations with my mother since she died in 1989, when her presence (or the memory of it) came to me unexpectedly. Once, I was about to go on stage in a huge outdoor amphitheater and unbidden, she was there. She had always been my biggest fan so gave me an extra dose of confidence in that moment. The connection with her was so safe and comforting that I didn't want to leave the offstage room where I was waiting. My cue nudged me forward, the feeling put aside to be recalled in later silence.

I believe in the power of words. So I want to use them carefully, especially with my children. I have often said things I wish I could take back. I think the key is to listen more, talk less. When my emotion has me opening my mouth reflexively, I want to take a breath instead of making a sound. In those pauses, the right words may have a chance to come through. This has worked for me. From this day forward, may I start to do it every time.

There are so many inspiring mothers. The one who has inspired me the most for the past year or so is Diana Jenner. She lost her husband and later her daughter (to cancer and Leukemia) and hasn't let these tragedies keep her from living life to the fullest with her son. She is passionate and funny and genuine - in my opinion, the three best traits a mother can have. When I am having a bad day I think of Diana or read her blog and am reminded of resilience, of mothering tools, and of how infinitely blessed I am.

Amanda has created a beautiful collage of mama photos accompanied by a poem that I love. Go here. Have a wonderful day.