My Mother, Debi, just left for Wegman’s. What better time to write a little blurb about a few of the many lessons I have learned from Deb? For those of you who are confused as to why I am referring to my mother as “Deb,” I mean no disrespect. For some reason, I just started calling her by her nickname in high school and now it just rolls off the tongue in conversation.
Deb has taught me a great deal over the years and I know I will continue to learn from her as I continue to grow. Here are just a few of the many lessons from the one and only- Deb:
- You can express love with your actions. Deb is the strongest female figure in my life. She’s been through a lot, and continues to care for others and show her love in her own way. I mean love not in a lovey dovey cheesy way, I mean in a way that you know she cares without screaming it from the mountain tops. Deb shows love by checking in on you while you are out, by picking up your favorite snacks, and by making you feel special. Growing up, Deb strived to make each birthday feel like the best day ever. She still sets up a “Happy Birthday Rebecca” banner in the kitchen and I am 23 years old. Deb knows just how much I love a freshly-made bed and continues to make it when I do not sleep at home. Every morning before school, she would tell me to “Be nice to everyone. You’re special.” Because of this, I was nice to everyone at school and I always felt like there was something special about me. Deb will sacrifice anything for her children because she wants the best for them. If there is anyone who I can trust with an honest opinion, it is the Deb and I value and appreciate it very much. I learned to express love in this way from Deb. I am not one to say it as often as I should, but I show it. I plan fun day trips with people, listen to stories, and surprise people with little gifts when I am shopping. “You know who would love this?!” is a common phrase used by yours truly when I am shopping. I like to show love in this way- it makes me feel good.
- Just try it! Deb is my brothers’ and my biggest cheerleader. She is always rooting for us to follow our dreams, try new things, travel, and put ourselves out there. I can hear Deb in my head saying, “Go for it! JUST TRY IT. You’re young, what do you have to lose?!” So here I am, putting my life into words in a blog, traveling when possible, and trying new things. I thank the Deb for this. Ma, if you are reading this-please continue to take your advice and never give up. You are a talented lady in many ways, and you are capable of great things.
- Let’s book it! Deb loves her episodes of Shark Tank and LOST. She’s the first person to opt for a Harry Potter Weekend night in; but when trips are possible, Deb is in. We booked quite a few mini getaway trips just her and I, and I can honestly say they were a blast! Last minute, spontaneous, and fun- that is how Deb likes her trips. This is a little different from me, who enjoys writing in my planner daily. I plan the spontaneous trip and Deb joins me on it; I like our little system. We are good at it. Just last year, I went to California twice, Florida 5 times, and a few weekend getaways in the mix. While thinking about these trips, Deb was the first one to say, “Just go!!” I did not regret one trip, and all of these adventures made for a great year.
- It is okay to be sad. We all have those days, some of us more than others, some of us in particular seasons or situations. These days happen, these feelings happen. Deb knows when I am in one of these stinky moods. They are not fun; I feel down about myself, situations, etc. I am sure some of you can relate. Deb knows about these days, and she gets them too. It is okay to feel sad and to feel down. It is okay to let ourselves embrace how we are feeling. We just have to remember to pick ourselves back up again. Tomorrow is a new day.
- Have a snack. Deb is an adorable snacker-like she is so cute and loves her snacks. As I have mentioned before, I struggled from an eating disorder where I restricted my calorie count daily. I was calorie obsessed, which of course meant no snacking. Life is short, so have the snack. Enjoy the cookie or ice cream cone or mixed cocktail. (Now, for some almond cookies 😉 ) For some reason, it is really hard for me to justify purchases for myself. Deb is a good pusher when it comes to this internal struggle. Treat yo self!
I hope you enjoyed learning some lessons from my Momma, and I hope you have learned a thing or two from a female figure in your life. I do not say it enough, but thank you Debi. Thank you for all of the lessons; these are just a few. I look forward to learning more from you.
Becsea 