Mothers, Sisters, Girlfriends

There have been times, especially when I was young, when it was an emotional roller coaster ride with my mother.  As I've grown-up, I have learned to focus on the positive “things” my mother has provided to me, the values she has passed on. 

My mom appreciates the simple things, not designer clothes, expensive jewelry or a fancy car.  She loves children - all children - and receives pure pleasure watching them play and smile.
She appreciates music, animals, and nature.  She is a role model for me: that friendships and family are the most valued treasures, and that laughing is a good thing.  She treats everyone with respect, helps others in our community, donates items, is a good sport, is generous, welcomes her neighbors, treats employees like family, is polite, and shares. 

I look at the extreme life experiences that my mother has survived: Nazi Germany, a very controlling father, the death of her brother at a young age, immigrating to a new country.

There is a hidden strength that has allowed her to make it through their experiences and carry on, but that strength may not have been visible in all the ways we had hoped.

Our mothers, (whether biological or adoptive), hopefully, did the best they could with what they had at the time.  We live.  We learn. We survive. We live.  Hopefully, in our hearts, the love and understanding for our mothers outweighs any of the sadness or pain we may have experienced.  For me… I accept, appreciate, and love my mother.

Thanks Mom.  Most importantly you taught me what is of true value in life.
I hope we have lots of laughter together in the future.

Sisters

My sisters are Evie, Susie and Karen and are the best gifts my parents ever gave me
Each is kind, thoughtful, supportive, funny, generous and, in their own unique way, makes this planet a better place.  I've told my parents that the most important thing they have ever done was raise the four of us so that we actually get along and love each other.

When both of my parents were in the hospital - I joked, “I'm so glad that my parents had sex at least four times and it worked!  Because if it wasn't for my sisters, I would have never, no way, no how, made it through that very rough time.”  And when I tell friends that I'm going on vacation with my sisters, they reply, “By choice?”  Yes, by choice.

We’ve had our minor difficulties, but we are able to talk and listen to each other.

I wish everyone had sisters like mine.  And for those of you that do, this naming on the ribbon of this beautiful building, celebrating women is for all of your sisters too!

Girlfriends

We actually choose to have these magnificent “sisters” in our lives.

What would we do without them?  Go nuts?  Probably.

These are unique relationships with an endless history of shared adventures.
It can start in kindergarten, high school, at work, a support group, a community gathering.

For me, as my nieces have gotten older it is a pleasure to consider them to be girlfriends too. 

What pure joy we can share, which allows us to make it through the other times of disappointment, sadness or grief.  That special bond between women friends, the trust to take risks together, support so readily provided, secrets, tears, laughter and hugs shared.

It may be a six months or a year since we have spoken, and that connection is so strong, that the reconnection is effortless.

I wish I could list all my amazing women friends here, but lucky for me, I am blessed with so many of you.  You all know who you are!

Honored by Sandy Weil