Be the Flowers...

The mirror don't lie. I wrote that sentence and a voice in the back of my mind whispered "You should have used doesn't." That voice sounds eerily like my Mama's voice, because that's something she would say to me. Proper usage is important when writing or speaking, because I'm a reflection upon the woman who raised me.

      Anyhow, I look in the mirror of my life, and I see her in every part of my being. "Her" is referring to my Mama, Sheila Marie Antoinette Rainwater Crossley Hayes Smiley, traveler, sometimes chef, humorist, supporter, and inspiration. My "allergies" are starting to act up...

       If I dissected my personality, I'd probably discover I'm mostly a clone of my Mama. I love fiercely, I hold grudges, I like to laugh and make others laugh, I root for my people, I'm happiest when travelling, reading a book, or enjoying the banquet that is life. Sigh... and I pride myself on being original.

      "Give them their flowers while they're hear to smell them." This means that you tell the important people in your life that you love them, cherish them, and thank them for all they are and all they've done for you. I'll go a little further; don't just give them their flowers, BE their flowers. Be the garden that has been watered by their hands, their sacrifices, their words, their examples, and their love.

      On a television interview a couple of months ago, "her" voice was chiding me gently to enunciate, take my time, and to speak clearly. I remembered. When I said my wedding vows, I promised to "never leave the toilet seat up." I remembered. There is no such thing as a stranger, only people I have yet to meet. I remembered. There is no guidebook or rulebook to being a parent, do what your heart tells you. I remembered and I'm trying. 

      There was a day a couple of years ago that I called her with the news I'd received my first writing contract. I told her that my motivation behind all that I do is that I want her to be proud of me. Both of our "allergies" kicked in that day...

       I saw the joy on her face when I took her to Churchill Downs and to see the Champ last year. I saw the pride in her eyes when others tell her about the accomplishments of her sons. I saw the love in her tears when she tried to articulate her feelings about her boys. I see how beautifully her garden has bloomed...

       Happy Mother's Day Ma, and thanks again for everything. I hope there are days when you sit back and admire just how magnificent your legacy garden has become... I love you...