A Tribute To My Mother

I know I am a day late, but I definitely wanted to honor my mother for all that she has done.  My mother, Lizzetta Lebeau Douglas, has always been an inspiration to me.  As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be just like her.  She was the most beautiful woman in the world to me and also the smartest.  I could always catch her smiling, laughing, dancing and singing.  Always vibrant and on point. Always striving to be a better person.

There are so many positive things about my personality and the person I am that I can contribute to her.  As I often say, "I get it from my mama." My class, style, confidence, big heart and passionate persona has so much to do with her and the person she raised me to be.  There are so many things that my mother taught me throughout my 32 years on this earth and it would only be right for me to reiterate a few pivotal points, just to let her know I was listening. *smile*

She always taught me to do the best in everything I did and to finish what I started.  She taught me humility, the importance of speaking your mind, yet always respecting elders and people of authority.  School was always a priority and ever since I could remember, I knew my destiny was college.  In fact, living in Mrs. Douglas' household, you really didn't have a choice on whether you were going to college.  The plans had already been drawn up for you.  She taught me how to cook, clean, and take care of myself and she always stressed the importance of good hygiene and looking my best each and every day.

Throughout the years I've learned that its not only what you "teach" your children, but the example that you set for them through your actions that often determines which way they will go in life.  Along with my mother's strong faith and spirituality, she not only talked the talk, but walked the walk.  My mother always strived for personal achievement in her career as she was never satisfied with the status quo.  Every position she took she worked long, hard hours, did the necessary studying and whatever else was required to move up.  She taught me how to conduct myself on interviews, how to study and take tests and how to dress for success.  She taught me that it is never too late to live out your dreams as she went back to school to complete her undergraduate degree years after dropping out of UCLA before we were born.

Family and friends were always a big part of our lives.  We grew up with so many uncles, aunts, cousins, friends of the family, etc., that there was never a lack of love in the home, nor a lack of excitement. I would watch my mother in awe as she would play hostess to her many guests.  My mother's magnetic personality drew lots of characters to our house, many of whom I have learned so much from and have impacted my life in a profound way.  If anything, my party girl spirit definitely comes from her.  She could whip up the food and the drinks, play the music and lure everyone to the dance floor so effortlessly.  I just remembered being a little girl and wanting to be like her in so many ways.

I am just so thankful that the Lord blessed me with a mother like mine.  She was always loving and forgiving and one of the most giving people I know.  She would literally give you the shirt off her back, although she may have 30 more at home, its always the thought that counts {lol}.  I just hope she knows how much she's inspired me and how grateful I am to have her in my life.  She also did much of the things I speak of, on her own with little to no help. I love her dearly and nothing can ever come between a mother and her daughter and nothing ever will.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Did you spend Mother's Day with your mother?
Do you  routinely thank your mother for everything she's done for you?
If you are a mother yourself, what do you most want your children to learn before they reach adulthood?