Friday, May 11, 2012

My mother, the most frustrating person alive.


Her daughters’ tractor warnings illicit the ol’ “grin and nod”…yet inevitably fall on deaf ears,
for a quick glance out any window, always, without fail, confirms our rather wasted fears. 
A master of humoring, while simultaneously thinking, “oh, if they only knew;”
you see, Jackie Turner does whatever Jackie Turner wants to do. 

A woman whose compassion is rivaled only by an unfathomable energy and fiery zeal;
a woman whose generosity is without motive, whose strength, tangibly real.
Bruised ribs and a pulled groin couldn’t get her off the mower the very next day.
But, she will stop mid-supper when a certain little girl exclaims, “Nonna, lets go play.”

As frustrating as this abandon can occasionally be, I know my mother no other way.
She will insist on single-handedly painting sheds…when not throwing or hauling hay.
She will check on her one grandkid and her 624 granddogs and cats….
and do so without exasperated huff, purposeful sigh, or call to ask where we’re at. 

You see, if ever there were a stride-taker, my mother is it;
the woman who moves mountains, the woman who rarely, if ever, sits. 
If we are lucky, we will one day find ourselves as strong-willed and foolishly obstinate as she…
and drive our own kids crazy until they finally shrug and respectfully say, “oh, just let her be.”




Happy Mother's Day, Mom.  We love you.

2 comments:

  1. This entry is actually a snap shot of what the future holds for you three girls. Each of you in your own special way have tendencies much like me...one of which is independence; Another of which is being strong-willed. Remember girls eventually do become their mothers. I am so very lucky to have you three daughters in my life. What would I do without you to spur me on, giving me courage, and the strength to keep up with 3 active girls and an extremely "busy" grandchild? Just so you know everything I do, I do for you Turner girls. I want you to always be proud of being a Turner. You three are the heart of TF and don't ever forget it! I love each of you so very much. Thank you for always being there for me.

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  2. I'll take the courage and strength; you can keep your "putting a ladder in the back of heavy duty 4-wheeler is a good idea" tendencies though. :)
    Love you, Mom. That was about the sweetest thing I've ever read. Thank you.

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