Lately, I’ve not been able to utter a word without hearing my mother’s voice. In the last 6 months I’ve realized how much I sound like her. She echos each word I say as if she were standing right next to me, in every mothering moment. Since losing her 18 months ago, she dwells within the caverns of my mind and now, she surfaces each time I speak.
For the most part, her echo is comforting, as I hope to emulate the very best of my mother’s wisdom. At times though, it’s heart-breaking, as I wish for one more conversation, one more phone call, even one last nagging lecture.
Her voice has become a part of me, and through my own I am reminded of her constant presence. My words become her legacy as I seek to mirror not only her voice but her deep, deep love as well.
My voice is a mirror of my mother’s and so is my face. I’ve heard others remark, the resemblance is uncanny. I look just like her when she was my age. I often gaze at photos of her later in life, peering into my future face.
I don’t mind being a walking reflection of my mother. She was radiant, lighting up every room she entered with her love. Motherhood is a mirror and I have a beautiful legacy to reflect.
I watch my own reflection, walking around in the body of a seven year old. She has my eyes…my smile…my pointy chin. But her appearance is only the tip of the iceberg of similarity. She has my free spirit, my lack of focus, that overwhelming need to be active and creative. She is everything of me that is good and beautiful and a walking reminder of each weakness I hold. Each thing about her that drives me crazy is but a reflection of that which makes me tire of myself.
Motherhood is a mirror and I peer daily into the depths of what I could be. . .what she could be. . .if only we could overcome that which holds us back.
I long to be able to ask my mother what is was like to watch a smaller, younger version of herself go through life. I imagine she’d tell me to lead her gently; to let compassion and grace be my guides as I help her navigate past the weaknesses I am just now coming to understand. She’d tell me to be patient with my mini-me, because some day those things that frustrate me will become her greatest strengths with my help.
My mother would look deep into her own mirror with great pride. She’d recount every way my girl is a beautiful reflection of me, and encourage me to love her beyond myself.
Motherhood is a mirror. An opportunity to catch a glimpse of ourselves as we stand in front of the ones we’ve given life. It’s the blessing that allows us to reflect on the best of who we are and impart her to those that will carry our legacy.
Are your children a reflection of you? What is the hardest thing about motherhood as a mirror?
Such a lovely post and beautiful thoughts. Your mother would be very honoured and it was a moving tribute to her mothering.
Thanks for writing this! I often have the same thoughts you expressed, and it helps to know I am not alone. My mom died of breast cancer two years before my oldest son was born. I can still hear her in my head and see her in the mirror though. I will always miss her! I wish she was here to help guide me through the motherhoid journey; she would have the best and most soothing advice.
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. Somehow I missed your comment before now but wanted to respond now to say, I’m praying for you right now. May each reflection bring sweet memories and great comfort.