My mom was great at giving compliments. And it wasn't just superficial. Her praise went deeper. "Missy, you're so much more confident than I ever was." "Missy, you have such poise when you walk up on stage." "Missy, your smile lights up a room, just like Grandma Rose's used to."
Best of all was: "Missy, I'm so proud of you."
It didn't stop there. Compliments usually led to celebrations. Dinners out at Tofu, my mom's favorite Chinese restaurant. Surprises of waking up to Dunkin' Donuts chocolate croissants -- my ultimate craving as a kid. Shopping trips to pick up "a little something" from the Gap.
Hugs accompanied each milestone. Big bear hugs that smushed my face into her bosom until my muffled voice yelped, "Ma! You're suffocating me!"
So on days like today, when a nagging sense of feeling unappreciated keeps popping into my head, I yearn for her compliments. Sometimes I imagine them in my head. Other times I feel like I can really hear her voice saying them, as if she is communicating with me somehow. What I would give for one phone call. Ring, ring, and then her enthusiastic, "Hi, Miss!" Instead, I just try to sit still and listen. And eventually I can hear it.
Or I do pick up the phone. I call Laura, my best friend and most sincere cheerleader. I call my Dad, and we talk about what we're each doing that day. I call Aunt Sherry, because I know 38 minutes into the conversation she will say how much she misses my mom. Sometimes all I need to know is that someone else longs for her, too.
Who do you turn to for compliments or support? Who are your life lines?
Posts
Missy,
ReplyDeleteI am so honored to be a part of your blog this time. As you know, I adored your Mom and miss her. However, you look like her and share so many wonderful trais that were part of your Mom and your Grandma Rose. So, when we talk or are together, I feel warm and joyful. It's as if I am in the presence of both your Mom and Grandma Rose.
I love you, and I admire the beauty and generosity of spirit with which you write.
Love,
Aunt Sherry
Marisa-
ReplyDeleteYour entries make me cry. They are so candid. I think what you are doing is amazing. Keep it up!
Dara
My dad died last year and he was always my biggest cheerleader. Whenever I had a setback, he'd just say "Ravy-bird, you're so ahead of the curve. It's gonna be ok, kiddo!" We're not big on telephoning in my family (i.e. no news is good news) -- so months could go by without hearing from each other. He was never reproachful, because that's just how we are...but I'd tell him about my adventures and you could almost hear him beaming on the other end of the line.
ReplyDeleteSince he died, I usually turn to my sister or a group of friends from college (even though we haven't seen each other since graduation they are still my go-to gals). My boyfriend (who I met shortly before my dad passed & I really wished that they would have gotten to meet) he was/is my rock -- he encourages me and cheers me on...maybe even believes in me more than I believe in myself (but I'm getting there!)
Great blog!
- Raven