Our Mothers Before They Were Mothers – Readers Share for Mother’s Day

This week, with Mother’s Day in mind, I thought it would be fun to share about our mothers before they were mothers. I don’t know about you, but I love looking at old photos of my mother and thinking about the person she was in that photo, or rather what was happening in her life at that moment in time. It intrigues me to think about her life before my siblings and I assigned her the role of mother. 

That’s why in last week’s newsletter, I invited subscribers to share about their mothers. (What, you haven’t signed up yet?) Thank you to the readers who kindly opened their hearts and shared. You are invited to share, too, by commenting at the end of this post.

Below are the three prompts I used in my invitation, and I extend them again to you. Pick one, or two, or all and share about your mother, too.

1. Describe your mother (or grandmother, aunt or other significant woman in your life) in three words.
2. Share something about your mother before she was a mother.
3. If your mother has died, or is no longer in your life for any reason, share something you miss about her.

I’ll go first.

Three words I would pick to describe my mother are:  loving, opinionated, outgoing.

Before my mother was a mother, among other things, she was a first grade teacher. She loved kids, especially the little ones, so the profession was a perfect fit for her. She met my dad when they were both teaching in a tiny rural community in North Dakota. Such a sweet love story theirs was.

I miss my mother every single day. Mother’s Day is just another day I miss her; it’s not really a harder day than any other. A couple years ago, I shared eleven things I miss about my mother. Read that, if you want to.

My mother, probably her high school graduation

And now it’s readers’ turn to share.

Janet shared this about her beloved mother:

My three words:  Caring, organized, resilient and beautiful 92 year-old! Oops 4 words.

Before she was a mother she was a hard worker in fields, factories and other people’s houses. She was always beautifully dressed. I love my mama to the moon and back!

Linda had this to say about her mother:

My mother was sports-minded, non-compliant (medically), a worrier and a counselor. Yes, I know it’s four words and you wanted three. I could easily add twenty more – with examples!

Mom, the eldest of four children, was sent each summer to be with cousins who farmed in Iowa…She loved the farm. Those farmers had horses, and my mother discovered and was enamored by horses her entire life.

I crave wisdom she imparted…She always had a knack for being able to turn things around, so I would see the world differently and make better choices. I really miss that.

Linda’s mom at age 13.

Dianne shared the following about her mother:

1. Friendly, hospitable, artistic
2. She was her daddy’s girl!
3. She’s still here, but her memory is going. I miss her ability to plan and accomplish an epic party.

Some special mother/daughter time.

Dear Daughter shared the following about her Grandma Margaret (My Other Mother):

Three words to describe my Grandma Margaret are:  kind, strong and giving.

After writing this, I realized that’s how I hope people describe ME, but I have some work to do. You know that quote that goes something like, “Live your life so that if someone were to speak badly of you, no one would believe it?” That’s how my Grandma lives her life.

Two Beauties – Dear Daughter & Grandma Margaret

Words to describe my grandmother: A true mother (by actions and definition), wise, selfless and funny.

What I miss about her: I am crying as I type this. I miss her presence and warmth. I miss her wise and loving words. I miss feeling protected and having a sense of home where I always felt welcomed and sheltered.

Rebeca’s beloved Mama.

My mom’s name is/was Kim.
Three words:  Stubborn. Loving. Talkative.
I miss Mom simply checking in with me. Knowing someone was always thinking of you and caring for you is a comfort I truly miss.

Jessica’s mother at 18.

Of course, all mother/daughter relationships are not good ones. I decided to include Di’s comments, too, because as Di said, truth isn’t always pretty. I appreciate her candor and thought you might too.

Religious fanatic, unloving, abusive. We are estranged, and I don’t miss her at all. The truth isn’t always pretty…

Rod chose these three words to describe his mother:

shy, loving, classy

Rod’s mother, age 18. See additional comments below.

Thank you to everybody who shared memories for this post.

I hope you enjoyed reading it. I enjoyed sharing it with you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

If Mother’s Day is rough for you due to any reason, be kind and gentle with yourself.

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Now share about YOUR mother.

What three words would you use to describe your mother?

Tell us something about your mother before she was a mother.

If applicable, what is something you miss about your mother – or what is something you love about your mother?