Yes, of course - we are related; however, I have spent over a decade recovering from her, and my father, and now see that I am not "her," nor like her in most ways, at all. But, that EOG thing is strongly in effect in the familial line (every-other-generation). An aunt has been my saving grace, in her late 90s assures me that I am "Not like her at all … except for the fact we are all related, of course."

Laura, I got the bible verses shouted at me, and babbled in repititious manner non-stop until I tuned them out. I’m so glad that I did. Accusations about "sinning" or "doing something" sinful left me in abject wonderment, because I had no idea what she was talking about (later, I learned why such ‘bothered’ her).

It is our responsibilty to grow up and out, and no one elses.

One of my favorite fridge magnets reads "Mirror, Mirror on the wall, I am my Mother after all."  It was a corny gift from one of my sisters a number of years ago. 

I am blessed with my mother’s gift of confidence and strength of character. She is an amazing, inspiring woman, who is turning a very youthful 75 on October 22nd. (Is 70 the new 60 now?? She qualifies if it is!)

Thanks to her unending support and ongoing acceptance of each of her 3 daughters and 1 son, I am proud to be a strong role model for my two daughters, ages 18 & 20 and for my son, 16. I have so many favorite "one-liners" that I grew up hearing from her, and am happy to report that my daughters have begun to repeat them…much to their chagrin!  Here are a few I’d like to share:

"Don’t worry about it…it builds character"; "What other people think of you is not your business to know"; "Sometimes you have to cut the coat according to the cloth" (this was from her French-speaking mother and I heard it often in French growing up). 

My two sisters and I are very close in age and live in fairly close proximity to our mother. She has taught me more once I became a mother, than she could ever possibly know. I continue to draw strength and support from her, and I love that she takes what ever time we need to listen and support in any way she can. To my way of thinking, I could not have asked to be like anyone more than I am with my mother. Thanks for letting me share!