First Editor

Better late than never! Here’s a post that should have rolled on Sunday.

There are those who support in words, and then there are those who support, encourage, and cheer by actions. And it’s the actions that speak the louder. When I was younger, this sort of difference wasn’t clear to me, but as I look back, it’s what shaped and formed my passion and confidence.

Of course this is a Mother’s Day post (albeit a few days late =(…) but as I sat back to write, I realized something. I’ve very few memories of just my Mom. Not because she wasn’t around but because she always was (and still is.) She’s always served in the background, always been there to cheer, to sing with (don’t get me started on her voice. I love it!) Always supported her family in a beautiful, quiet and unwaveringly loving way.

Those few memories I have of just her and I are old, faded around the edges like a worn photograph. They’re memories of walking to the post office or grocery shopping. These memories are worn because, most of them, are from when I was very young.

The memories that haven’t lost their crisp edges are the ones that still touch me today. Let me explain. She read every one of my school papers, marked the grammar and corrected my tenses and word choice. This isn’t a one time memory, this is a life choice that imparted to me lessons I now live by. She helped me improve at the same time as she told me she loved every word in my papers, all with that sparkle in her eyes that told me she said true. I’ve never doubted her praise.

When I went to college, I was lost at first because I didn’t have my live-in editor. How was I to know my papers were up to par? Who would catch my spelling and grammar issues?

The magical part, though, was her corrections were there, silent supports in my mind guiding my words and keeping my writing to the standard she taught me. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in large part because of her. One, because of the work ethic she showed me and two, because of those silent corrections in my writing.

Those two things still guide me as I continue to write.

I’m not sure I’ve ever said Thank You. That’s sad and wrong of me. Her quiet but formidable spirit hides in the background, easy to take for granted, but she’s always there. Today, I bring it forward and say Thank You, Mom.

And to those Moms who struggle because they’re buried in the chaos of every day, keep at it, your dedication will pay off. I’m not a Mother yet but I can admire your strength and the beauty of all you do. Whether it’s correcting school papers or you child is fascinated by something else, that sparkle in your eye when your child strives to attain that goal means the world to him or her. That sparkle will be the ballast for their spirit down the road when they must ‘adult’ in the world. I guarantee it.

Blessings until next time,

Jennifer

P.S. My mother has also Beta read The Adventure for me. This beautiful woman still keeps me in line =)