Saturday Raves
Posted on Saturday, February 19, 2011
Over at the Women's Colony, Mrs. G offers up a regular feature called "Fuck a Duck Friday." I have to admit, I read the comments there religiously. I experience many of the same gripes, and I enjoy feeling the empathy, even if it is anonymous and probably artificial. It's a guilty pleasure--the equivalent of rubber-necking at the scene of an accident.
That being said, I won't be participating. Yes, I certainly post my share of whining and complaining here, but I'm self-consciously going to try to take a higher road, at least for today. There is something to be said for the idea that focusing your energy on a given situation tends to magnify and attract more of the same. I do believe that. I do believe in gratitude.
Therefore, I'm going to post some raves here today, starting with the older generation.
First, my in-laws. You should read some of the in-law-based comments over at Mrs. G's place--yikes! It truly does make me appreciate how good I have things on the in-law score. My in-laws have always been note-perfect, artistically walking the fine line between being supportive and being interfering. They are patient, generous, and loving to both my kids, even as they've entered the sullen teen years and are no longer cute cuddly toddler. They have always been respectful of me and treated me as a fellow adult. The never offer unsolicited advice, and always maintain a healthy sense of humor in all things. I've been very blessed.
Just after in-laws, mothers seem to get the most bad reviews. My mother, now 87, is one of the most generous and supportive people I've ever known. She still lives on her own and continues to play golf every day that weather permits. She set an awesome example in her working years of being an independent, career-minded woman. She served in the Navy in WWII, was the first in her family to graduate college, was a single-female homeowner in the 1950's (unheard of!), and didn't marry until she was damn good and ready. Now, if only we could get her to realize that she can stop worrying about us and enjoy the fruits of her own life herself. That would be perfect!
And speaking of mothers, my little Hopey's mother dc reads here sometimes, and never fails to jump in with encouraging words on whatever topic I might be rambling on about. And I know from Facebook that she does the same for her friends and family there. And I know from Hope that she is one of the most unique and irreplacable humans that we will ever know. So thanks to her too for being such a positive force in so many lives. You're awesome!
...thanks, sweets, for being a member of our family these many years... know you are loved always. "mom"