Here's a copy of my speech that I gave at the luncheon. I will also give this speech at the National Convention in April. This is the topic that was assigned to me.
I Am My Mother’s Garden
My mother’s garden is right outside the back door. On summer days, she would send me out to snip fresh herbs to add to the salad, lemonade, herb rolls, or any of the delicious dishes she was making. I love to see the roses and smell the lavender. It is beautiful and orderly but with a bit of class, just like my mom.
Every year I try to replicate that garden, but never seem to succeed or have the right touch. But I keep trying, having an image in my mind of what a garden should be.
My mother and other women in my life have planted the seeds of motherhood. I have learned what a mother should be through their example. I am their garden.
I would not have the privilege of being a mother without my daughter’s incredible selfless birthmother, Ashlee. Thanks to her amazing sacrifice and love, we adopted our beautiful daughter almost 4 years ago. We hope to be able to adopt another one soon.
My dear step mother, Jill, became an instant mother to three scared and needy children at the age of 28 when she married my Dad. I am so grateful for her love and patience as she taught me how to do chores, took time to cook with me, and taught me the importance of serving others. She loved me and assured me she wouldn’t give up on me. Through all this, she didn’t realize she was also teaching me how to be a wife and a mother.
I think of her patience with me when my three year old pulls up a stool and wants to “help” as I cook dinner. She is an enthusiastic, but not necessarily neat, helper. Jill continues to support, love and encourage me through my motherhood journey.
During my teenage years, Joye taught me that being a mother is fun. Joye is an optimistic, cheerful person with an infectious laugh. She is aptly named. You can’t help but be happy when you are around her.
She was my friend as well as my church leader. She taught me that I am a daughter of God. During the week, she would give me hugs, or show up with cookies and say she was just thinking of me. When her oldest daughter turned 13, Joye said she didn’t understand what all the fuss was about over having a teenager. She said it was so much fun! She seemed to love being a mother.
Joye’s example reminds me to put down the laundry that I’m trying to fold, and dance and twirl with my ballerina daughter. I am reminded how I lucky I am to be a mother.
My best friend Melody and I have been friends since 2nd grade. I am always amazed that despite the turmoil of having 6 children, she is always laughing. When her 6-year old put his ice cream under the bed to save, and she found it 3 days later, she showed it to me and laughed. When her 3 year old put his new pair of glasses in the trash and she had just watched the garbage truck pick up the trash, she laughed. When I mentioned that to her, she pointed out that she could laugh or cry, and she’d rather just laugh.
When my daughter has a tea party with her dolls and spills water and food all over her bedroom floor, I think of Melody and have to laugh as I help her clean it up.
All these women have planted the seeds of mothering in me. I feel so blessed and privileged to be surrounded by amazing examples of motherhood. I am constantly being nourished by their example. I have a lot to learn as a mother, but I am enjoying the journey. Thank you to all the women in my life who cultivate my garden.
My mother’s garden is right outside the back door. On summer days, she would send me out to snip fresh herbs to add to the salad, lemonade, herb rolls, or any of the delicious dishes she was making. I love to see the roses and smell the lavender. It is beautiful and orderly but with a bit of class, just like my mom.
Every year I try to replicate that garden, but never seem to succeed or have the right touch. But I keep trying, having an image in my mind of what a garden should be.
My mother and other women in my life have planted the seeds of motherhood. I have learned what a mother should be through their example. I am their garden.
I would not have the privilege of being a mother without my daughter’s incredible selfless birthmother, Ashlee. Thanks to her amazing sacrifice and love, we adopted our beautiful daughter almost 4 years ago. We hope to be able to adopt another one soon.
My dear step mother, Jill, became an instant mother to three scared and needy children at the age of 28 when she married my Dad. I am so grateful for her love and patience as she taught me how to do chores, took time to cook with me, and taught me the importance of serving others. She loved me and assured me she wouldn’t give up on me. Through all this, she didn’t realize she was also teaching me how to be a wife and a mother.
I think of her patience with me when my three year old pulls up a stool and wants to “help” as I cook dinner. She is an enthusiastic, but not necessarily neat, helper. Jill continues to support, love and encourage me through my motherhood journey.
During my teenage years, Joye taught me that being a mother is fun. Joye is an optimistic, cheerful person with an infectious laugh. She is aptly named. You can’t help but be happy when you are around her.
She was my friend as well as my church leader. She taught me that I am a daughter of God. During the week, she would give me hugs, or show up with cookies and say she was just thinking of me. When her oldest daughter turned 13, Joye said she didn’t understand what all the fuss was about over having a teenager. She said it was so much fun! She seemed to love being a mother.
Joye’s example reminds me to put down the laundry that I’m trying to fold, and dance and twirl with my ballerina daughter. I am reminded how I lucky I am to be a mother.
My best friend Melody and I have been friends since 2nd grade. I am always amazed that despite the turmoil of having 6 children, she is always laughing. When her 6-year old put his ice cream under the bed to save, and she found it 3 days later, she showed it to me and laughed. When her 3 year old put his new pair of glasses in the trash and she had just watched the garbage truck pick up the trash, she laughed. When I mentioned that to her, she pointed out that she could laugh or cry, and she’d rather just laugh.
When my daughter has a tea party with her dolls and spills water and food all over her bedroom floor, I think of Melody and have to laugh as I help her clean it up.
All these women have planted the seeds of mothering in me. I feel so blessed and privileged to be surrounded by amazing examples of motherhood. I am constantly being nourished by their example. I have a lot to learn as a mother, but I am enjoying the journey. Thank you to all the women in my life who cultivate my garden.
Here are my parents with Ginny. They were a great help and support. Thanks for all they do for me!
2 comments:
congratulations, Danielle! That was beautiful!
It's neat to have those examples in your life when you get them! Congrats, Danielle!
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