My mom was diagnosed in August with pancreatic cancer. You can read about it here and here.
In times like this, having a support system and people rallying around you is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. In the spirit of having another place for people to share their support, my sister and I started a Facebook page for my mom to share inspiration and updates.
Yesterday one of my sister’s childhood friends wrote a comment to my mom that hit me. It said,
“Praying for you Julie. I have the fondest memories of you letting us watch MTV at your house.”
I love this memory of my mom. First, because it brought back my own memories of MTV when it first came out. I will never forget the rocket ship and intrigue surrounding that channel – a revolution in the making.
I am sure many parents in the 80’s were concerned about what they were exposing their kids to. Was MTV in the 80s what Elvis’ hip moves were to the previous generation?
I wonder if my mom letting her watch MTV at our house was magical because she wasn’t allowed to or if the memories were just connected to being at our home during that time in life.
It doesn’t really matter, but what struck me is the fact that our role as moms will be connected to other kids’ memories down the road. Isn’t that powerful?
What will I be known for many years down the road? What will my children’ friends remember about coming to our house? I don’t have a clear answer to that – but it sure made me think about it.
Does answer come to your mind? How will your kid’s friends remember you when they are all grown up?
I would love to hear your comments!
I hope they remember 4th of July, Halloween, New Years Eve, Chloe-dog, and lots of crazy play dates at the Hendersons. Oh and boo-ing our friends!!!
Yes to all the above!!! You are one of the masters of memory-making! xoxo
I’ve thought about that a lot now that my kids have been in elementary school for a few years. I aim for loving-yet-strict, fun with boundaries. We’ll see who remembers what in 20 years or more.
I love every second of this post and I pray for your family daily. What a beautiful thoughtful blog. I hope the memories people have of me as a mom is coming to a fun home that was a happy place to be. Lots of movie nights in the backyard, smores, crazy play dates and just spontaneous fun all around!
Jen, this is such a great post! It really does make me think about what it is I do for Nina and her friends. Let’s see….costume parties, Christmas Eve parties, Valentine’s Day parties, LOTS of hugs, healthy snacks (some loved, some not!), 6 little girls in the car singing their hearts out to VERY loud music, trampoline and playhouse fun, sleepovers, homework club, showing up to gymnastics and always congratulating them on a great practice or meet…..I am loving writing these down because this makes me realize I am providing memories, even if they are simple and uncomplicated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this exercise 🙂 And, of course, my heart is with you, your Mom and your family during your Mother’s RECOVERY!!!! 🙂