The other day, as I was flipping through an old issue of Reader's Digest, I came across this quote by Charles M. Schultz, author of the Peanuts comic strip:
"A good education is the next best thing to a pushy mother."
Ain't that the truth? Yes, I am thrilled to have received a wonderful education, but it definitely takes a back seat to having been blessed with my mom for a mother. While "pushy" isn't the word I would choose to describe her style, there was never any doubt growing up that she was on my side. My Dad used to proudly chuckle that if anybody dare mess with her children, they would have Mama Bear to contend with--and hell hath no fury like an angry Mama Bear.
Mom was all about wanting us kids to learn how fight our battles for ourselves. However, when the situation was overwhelming and we needed her to step in, Mama Bear was there with her claws out and her fangs ready to devour the bad guys. It really was so wonderful to live under the umbrella of my mother's protection. That fierce loyalty means the world to a child.
For our family motto, Brian and I chose three words:
It comes from the Bible's book of Proverbs:
"Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart."
In my mother, love and loyalty were never in short supply. I'm blessed that those qualities are part of her legacy to me, and I can't wait to pass them on to my own children.
This Mama Bear is ready and waiting for her cubs!
