Kim Wilbanks

My Mother:

• She’s an extrovert, I’m an introvert
• She’s bold, I’m subtle
• She’s boisterous, I’m timid
• She’s the life of the party, I’m a wallflower
• She’s a talker, I’m a thinker
• She’s quick to make decisions, I mull over something forever before I decide

We are so different yet, she has had a strong influence on my life. 

Here are five ways my mom has influenced me.

Excellence

My mom always expected my very best.  I didn’t always appreciate this, especially in high school but, it helped foster a desire to do my very best at whatever I attempt.  Several years ago, I was working on my teacher recertification.  I was taking an online college course. I studied and worked so hard even when my husband reminded me all I needed was to pass.  Nope, that wouldn’t do! I had to get the A. 

Loyalty

My mom taught me loyalty.  Whether it’s family, friends, a neighborhood or even a grocery store, she is fiercely loyal.  I like to think I inherited that trait from her.

Family

My mom emphasized the importance of family.  We lived in the same neighborhood as my grandparents, her brothers and sister and all of my cousins so we spent a lot of time together as an extended family; from Sunday dinners after church to family vacations.  Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas meant large family gatherings.  My parents continued that tradition with me, my brother, our spouses and our children.  For several years, we vacationed together and we are always together the day after Christmas. 

And it’s not just our branch of the family tree.  We have a huge family reunion every year with the descendants of my paternal great-grandparents.  It has to be a pretty serious reason to miss it. The best thing about it is that we have long-lasting friendships with our cousins, even ones you might consider distant.

Generosity

My mom is one of the most generous people I know.  She reminds me so much of my grandfather, her father.  She has helped individuals and contributed to organizations, cheerfully.  She has set a good example for me to be generous as well.

Adventure

My mom worked during my childhood.  She was a nurse, a nursing instructor and a flea-market owner.  While she was a very busy woman, she always made time for an adventure.  She took us to plays, floated with us down a spring-fed river, drove to Cape Canaveral for a shuttle launch and even single-handedly drove a car-load of us kids to a crossroads in the middle of nowhere to look for the headless man carrying his lantern.  She loves to travel and instilled that in her children and grandchildren. Mom is definitely not one to sit around if she doesn’t have to.

My favorite thing about my mom is that she’s my biggest cheerleader.  I know she’ll read this so let me say . . .

Happy Mother’s Day Mom!  You’re the best! I love you!

Happy Mother’s Day

Mom

Mom and Me