Kindness

My mother taught me how to be kind.

I was your average angry, resentful and conceited teenager but she was kind to me no matter what. She taught me how a kind word can instantly change the atmosphere in a room. When I would go around breaking curfews and sneaking out of the house; she would caution me to be careful and encourage me to make better choices. When my father would in one of his "moods", my mother would console me, and try to remind me that of better times. When I would direct my anger and frustration at her, she would listen, nod, and listen some more. When I sometimes go weeks without talking to her on the phone, I can  hear her smile as soon as she picks up the phone when I finally do call...

To be honest, I am not sure how my life would have turned out if she hadn't showered me with kindness....

I would probably still be bitter, angry, resentful, and full excuses. I would probably blame others or myself for events in my life I wish I could erase. I strive to be as kind as my mother, but I have still a long way to go... I am thankful for her gift of kindness. Interestingly enough, she also passed on her love of purses, shoes,  watches, flowers and smiling. I guess you do really turn into your parents after all!

EED