Kelly’s story about her Mom - 2008 SHS Mother’s Day Contest Entry

I am almost 50 and my mom is 71. When I was growing up, my mom always treated my brother, Kurt, who is 1 1/2 younger, and me very equally. She told us when we older and could understand that as much as she loved her own mother, she always felt that her mother favored her older sister. My mom told us that she decided if and when she had children (us) she would always treat us the same and not favor one of us more than the other in any way. And, looking back at our lives growing up, I really believe she pulled that off.

My mom loved to take bubble baths and I am sure that’s why I love to also. She also liked to shop for new clothes when finances would allow, and I can remember being about 9 or 10 and going with her into a dressing room when she had several outfits to try on for work…she might buy one, but she liked to try a lot on. I thought it was fun to go with her and I know that’s probably where I get my love of clothes and shopping. When I was 11, my mom took me with a friend of hers from work to see Burt Bacharach (this was in the late 60’s) I can remember my mom’s friend questioning as to why my mom wanted to take me, thinking I might not enjoy the concert, but my mom felt I would enjoy it and wanted to expose me to music. She always loved to play Barbra Steisand, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis and Tony Bennett albums on our stereo and that music holds a special place in my heart from the 60’s.

My mom helped me out when I became a teenager and started dating…..she always gave me advice like “play it cool and aloof and mysterious” when I told her I wanted to call a boy..she also felt bad for me when I went through crushes and let downs and was always there to comfort me. My mom has helped move to and clean and paint every apartment or house I’ve lived in as an adult. She and my stepdad even paid my way to a lovely trip to Hawaii with them this year.

My mom prayed for me as she became a Christian when I was 14.  I know she has prayed for me for all these years after and a lot of who I am as a Christian comes from her prayers and influence.

Kelly