Dear Lisa-Marie…AKA “Mom,”
Every day you have always put others first. Your siblings, your parents, my dad, Dad’s parents, my brother and I–we have always felt your love and support. You amaze me with your seemingly unending ability to make the people in your life happy. And now, you are putting the artists and craftsmen that we support ahead of your own wants and needs. This post is to say that it does not go unnoticed. Nor has everything you have done for me in my life gone unnoticed.
I remember being little and helping you paint little wooden cat and dog heads to add to your work. You taught me what it was to help contribute to the family.
I remember sitting on the edge of your bed when you were pregnant and you asked me what we should name the baby if it was a boy. Then you named my baby brother the name I picked out. You taught me that my opinion was important and that you valued it, even at the age of 4.
I remember going to yard sales and you finding things that I thought were destined for the dump, and you turned it into something wonderful. You taught me that everything can have a new purpose.
I remember finding you in the parking lot after school before we opened a shop and you were selling things you had created to fellow parents out of the back of the van. You taught me that hard work never stops.
I remember bringing my friends home after school to study without warning. You taught me that you don’t need to be related by blood to be family and that my friends were also your children. You welcomed them into our home with open arms and a hot meal. You taught me that there is always something in the fridge or cupboard that can be made into something, even when it looks like there is nothing. (Do you remember the New Years Eve that I showed up with about 20 of my friends and you and Dad said it was okay for everyone to stay? Parents of the Year award should have gone to you!)
I remember when you decided to open Lisa-Marie’s in Bath and how nervous you were, but you trusted your gut instinct. I was put to work on the weekends, and though I may have complained at the time, I learned that being a part of a family business is a true privilege. You taught me to listen to my intuition.
I remember calling you when I was in college, crying because I was so overwhelmed with my course load and you told me that you believed in me. You taught me that sometimes it’s okay to cry.
I remember many things about the amazing childhood that you gave me. I have learned more from you than I could ever list. You are a strong, independent, savvy, self-sufficient woman who will not take no for an answer and loves endlessly and unconditionally. I am so lucky to be 50% you.
Thank-you for everything that you do for me, our family and the hundreds of other Maine families that you support. Your hard work and devotion to making the business succeed is truly incredible. And it doesn’t hold a candle to the hard work, devotion, sweat, tears, blood and LOVE that you have put into being the greatest mom a coupla kids could ever ask for.
I admire you every day. I can only hope that one day I grow into half the woman you are.
Happy Mother’s Day, Momma.
Love you bunches forever and for always.
~punkin pie