She got it from her Momma!!

It's been a minute since I've blogged anything. And to be honest, I don't know why that is! I 've been a bit preoccupied with other things, so we'll go with that as an excuse. =)

I had the opportunity to travel to Barcelona recently and I just KNEW I'd come back full of revelation about life, love, or at least something interesting I'd experienced while away.

I did have a couple epiphanies while walking through La Sagrada Familia, even thought of a few titles for a new entry while dining on some fab wine and paella on Las Ramblas. Unfortunately, even with the new surroundings, climate, and the Med. within walking distance, it didn't happen.

During the last week, though...something clicked.

Recently, after being together 41 years, and married 38 , my parents divorced. To say this was devestating would be an understatement.

During the split, I've seen my mother go through a tremendous transformation. She's old school. So, her mantra was simply to be the best wife and mother she could be. Everything she did was done with someone else in mind. The way she styled her hair, the clothes she wore, how she walked, talked, and presented herself. Even the food we consumed...everything about her was done in a way that would make my dad, brothers and I proud to call her Wife and Mom.

Throughout her transition from being married to entering the world of singledom, our relationship has grown closer than I'd ever thought it could be. We've cried together, cussed together, laughed, dreamed about what it would be like once we came out of all this... talked about relationships and the trials and tribulations we go through as a result. She's even asked me advice on how I've coped being single. You name it and we've experienced it together.

Wednesday, she took another big step, and plunged into the world of homeownership. Now, I know this isn't a big thing...folks buy and sell property daily. But for Mom, this was HUGE!

She's gone from being this shy, soft spoken, churchgoing sista to negotiating interest rates, selling the home she and my father shared, and telling her real estate agent what she wants done and when she expects it to happen.... all within a space of less than 6 months. Seeing the transition she's made has even caused me take a couple steps back!!

I now view her in the same way that she looks at me when celebrating my accomplishments! I see her through the eyes of a daughter who is more than proud. But realistically speaking, I see myself.

Seeing Mom weather this storm has caused me to really understand and embrace what I'm made of.

I see the strength, wisdom, and tenacity that make up the fiber of my own existence. I recognize how and why I'm able to persevere in the midst of adversity. I now understand why, no matter how rough things get, I'm still able to keep it moving and see my way out of the turbulence that surrounds me.

I see my destiny.

I don't have to walk around down trodden and telling every person I come in contact with about my woes and sorrows. I can go through drama, but I can do so with dignity and grace.

Mom has gone to hell and back, but she's done so unscathed, without bitterness, and with no regrets.

If I can be half the woman she is...I think I'll be alright. In fact, I know I will be!

The next time someone compliments me on how well I've handled crisis, or asks where my strength comes from, I will proudly and boldy say....

I got it from my Momma!!


Until next time...

PosB