Joy and Other Disasters: Do you know her?

I know this woman. I wish you could know her too. This woman is amazing.

This woman grew up in a very poor household with 7 kids. She was exactly the middle child.

This woman is working harder and is doing more chores in her life than her daughter would probably EVER do in her lifetime.

This woman and her husband moved away from the only country they had ever really known to Belgium. They made it work for the sake of their daughter.

This woman demanded respect and responsibility and consequences from her daughter. This daughter had chores. She was to help. She frequently reminded her daughter of how good she had it and despite her constant eye rolls and condescending looks, she was listening. She would remember and one day appreciate what she was doing in her. The thankless job she was performing would pay off. I like to think it did anyway.

This woman and her husband lived and are still leaving on an concierge’s salary. With this, and the help of her meager supplement from her part time employment, this woman and her husband put their daughter in the best schools for all 12 years with their hard earned money.

This woman struggled a bit with her identity as her child grew. Having to watch her primary responsibility for the last 19 years slowly leave her proved to be one of the most difficult tasks of her life.

This woman found her peace. She took joy in her new role as friend to her now-grown child ans as a grandmother to 2 children. She is there constantly for support .

In the present day, this woman would amaze you. She has a gift – it’s called hospitality.

She can whip up a meal for 15 people in minutes and I do not exaggerate.

She makes fantastic food.

She has hosts many gatherings and parties in the most organized fashion preparing days in advance and making all guests feel welcome and pampered.

She has always worked very hard. She can stand on her feet for hours on end working non-stop only for short water breaks doing very difficult and very dirty physical labor. Hard, dirty work is not beneath her and she has never shied away from it.

She STILL works hard at her age of SIXTY-SEVEN.

I know this woman intimately.

I am honored to call her my BEST FRIEND. I am privileged to call her MOM.