Day 128: My Experiment
Nov 21, 2018
A big day today, it is my Mum’s Birthday.
My Mum gave me and my siblings the freedom to express ourselves. She had her own individuation challenges over the years. What is most impressive is despite how difficult individuating is she keeps at it.
Even at the age of 80 she continues to adhere to the Greek aphorism: “Know Thyself”. Socrates says: people make themselves appear ridiculous when they are trying to know obscure things before they know themselves. (Wikipedia). Mum has been the biggest influence in my seeking to know myself. Mum has read voraciously often 7 or more books a week. She surrounded us with all the classics, philosophers, and psychologists. Shelf upon shelf covered in books. Dad made a huge bookcase from floor to ceiling 20 feet in width. There was still not enough room to house them.
She continues to this day to leave me post it notes with quotes she knows I will enjoy. When she is conflicted, we work the problem out together shedding light on the unknown. She is determined and willful also passionate about everything especially people.
She has this miraculous way of making friends everywhere she goes. When I was a kid and we would walk downtown she knew the sales women, doormen, clerks and so forth. I have to admit I was embarrassed but find myself doing the same today.
A friend once said: “I have to leave you here a moment to go the washroom. Just wait a moment.” When she returned she found my Mother having champagne and hors d’oeuvres with absolute strangers. The friend could not help laughing at how much fun Mama can be. She magically lures others into her joie de vivre. She is the quintessential Grand Dame and harbinger of laughter.
Of course she, like most of us, is hard on herself. Mama this year I dedicate gentleness to you. May this be the year that you are totally gentle with yourself. I plan on having you here another 40 years minimum!
Happy Birthday to the most amazing woman I have ever met!
Love you dearly Mama.
