Today in honor of Mother's Day, I would like to dedicate this post to my mother, June. Well, Bunny. Anticipating the arrival of her first grandchild, mom confessed that she had always wanted to be called "Grandmother." Both my sister and I had our own opinions of the name and thought she was SO much more than "Grandmother." So, June set out on the search for acceptable names for herself and settled on two: Bunny or Hottie. Now, if you know my mother, which most of you do, this was no surprise. Kate and I immediately knew which we would choose and Bunny was born.
In the past few years, since I started college really, I have had the opportunity to really get to know my mother. We have not always has such a wonderful relationship, most mother and daughter duos can relate, but we have learned to compromise, listen and praise each other when needed. Of course there is the occasional aggravation and discontent, but in the end her experience prevails 95% of the time. (Sorry mom, I can't give you 100% on that one.) I have been blessed with so many influential and inspiring people in my life, but the fact is I would know none of them without my mother. She is full of life, strong in her faith and the picture of selflessness, joy and love.
It is so hard as a teenager to admit when your mom is right, but I have become so much more aware of how lucky I was to have a mother who was brave enough to give her children tough love. But tonight as I sit in reflection of all the things I have learned from her, one of my favorite memories of her comes to mind.
I had just gone through the worst break up in December of 2007, ten days before Christmas. I was in love, but broken hearted, confused and searching for myself. I was looking forward to coming home to Georgia and spending the holiday at Lake Burton. It would be our entire immediate family, but now I would now be the seventh wheel. I have always been a huge fan of Christmas but for the first time in forever, I wasn’t that merry. Geeze, I wonder why.
I came home after 23 straight days of work in DC (it was busy season and the Christmas parties never ceased) and spend the first night with friends in Atlanta wallowing in self-pity and Pinot Grigio. Classy. Then went home to my mother, who was beaming with Christmas cheer and wearing her sassy Santa sweater. It actually is the cutest thing I have ever seen. We talked, I of course cried and we packed the last little bit of packages and food to head to the Lake.
On the ride up, mom squealed and said, "Lacy, I have the perfect song for you. It always makes me feel better and makes me feel like I can take on the world and just do anything." I gave her my mom look and kept staring at the road. All of a sudden Gloria Gainer was belting out "I Will Survive" on the radio and mom didn't miss a note, I couldn't stop laughing. We listened to it at least three times on the ride up and I was finally smiling again.
That is my mother. Someone who knows exactly what you need even when you are lost, broken and exhausted. I love you Bunny, I wouldn’t be where I am today without your guidance and love. And yes, I will survive, just like you taught me.
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