The relationship with our mothers is the most powerful bond we’ll experience. They have the ability to lift us up from the ground or to put us in our place. It doesn’t matter how old we are, we as children still seek approval. Nothing makes our hearts sing more than the words, “You can do anything,” or, “I am so proud of you.”
There are many kinds of love. A mother’s love is our first love. It is the first human connection we make. Without it, many children end up with lifelong emotional attachment issues. I think I was attached to my mother’s hip. One of my earliest memories is being carried up the stairs. She held a bag of groceries in one arm and with the other, she squished me.
Being a mother comes with an assortment of hats to wear. A few of them fit more comfortably than others. We will outgrow some of them, but most are worn with pride.
Shameless even back in the day!
(With Kelly and a bearded Danny)
I feel lucky to be a mom. I am very lucky my own mother is still alive and thriving.
There is no one who knows us better, knows what we are capable of and our limitations, but life surprises us all the time. Sometimes we exceed our own expectations and then Mom is there to celebrate with us.
On the top of the Guinness Brewery in Dublin
The most wonderful gift is unconditional love. No matter what happens, nothing will destroy the bond I have with my mother or my children. It gives me strength when going through life’s challenges.
She always points me in the right direction.
Lost in Ireland
When feeling like I may have overreacted or made a mistake, there is nothing like a mother who says, “That could happen to anyone. Forget about it now.” With gentle hands Mothers smooth our hair and wipe our tears even if it is from miles away through a phone call.
Sometimes Moms know when we are hurting and call us before we call them. How do they do that? There is a connection unlike any other.
We learn how to weather all kinds of storms through the help of our mothers.
Cliffs of Moor parking lot
They oftentimes give us new perspective and something to ponder.
Hanging out with statues in Menton, France
I can spot a new parent in line at the grocery store. They are the ones swaying back and forth from one leg to the other while waiting. This is a condition developed while trying to get newborns to fall asleep. It is what I call RBWSS: Rocking Baby While Standing Syndrome.
Moms pass along all kinds of traits and habits.
This shot could have been taken hundreds of times while driving through Europe. “Backseat drivers…”
As a mom, I know we sometimes make mistakes. We are only human.
Overheated or what? This shot was taken of Kelly indoors!
I remember feeling like my mother was the fairest in all the land. She still is!
Happy Mother’s Day!
All photos by Susie Lindau
Several were taken in Europe in August of 2001.
Do you have fond memories of your mother?
Wonderful! All of it! Everything! Thanks for sharing all that love.
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Thanks Patricia! It was fun to go through all the pictures! Have a great week!
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Perfect pictures to go with your comments! Loved this! 🙂
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Thank you! My daughter didn’t remember the photo taken of her in the stockade. That was one of my favorite trips!
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More than a little late to the party, but great post, Susie!
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Thanks so much! I am behind too! Life gets that way sometimes….
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Wow! Loved the photos. I guess you come by your adventurous spirit honestly, huh? Your family looks like so much fun!
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I sure do! Thanks so much. We had a blast. It was a fantastic trip and looking back the timing was perfect!
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My mom always imparts humor into an otherwise serious moment. Mind you, she’s not trying to be funny. Which only makes it that much funnier Here’s one of my all time favorite quotes, from when I was attempting to cure a broken heart and she was trying to put things in the perspective she knew better than anyone.
“If it was that easy to figure out a woman, there would be no need for alcohol.”
Mama Mia.
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Are you sure she isn’t aware of how funny she is??? She could be extra dry…. 🙂
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What a beautiful tribute. 🙂 Thanks for sharing! I hope your Mother’s Day was filled with love and connection.
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It was! Thank you so much K! My mom was back in Wisconsin, but both of our children came by and stayed overnight like the good old days!
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Darn good Mother’s Day post, Susie!
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Thanks Hook! I think she enjoyed it. 🙂
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No doubt!
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Awww. This was so sweet. Happy belated day to you and your mom!
And RBWSS is so right-on. I STILL find myself doing that and my youngest just turned 21.
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Love it! Thanks Peg!!!
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Fantastic post, Susie. I’m also fortunate to still have my mom. Love her to bits. 🙂
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