Lessons learned from Mom

My mom taught me a lot growing up. The one thing I think she continues to try and teach me is to have with me everything I need for the day. I can't count how many times I called mom in a panic during school "MOM! I forgot my homework! I forgot my text-book! I forgot money for pictures! ... I forgot my shoes!" That last one's not a joke. I specifically remember staying the night at a friends and packing clothes for school the next day. It was "Chapel Day" meaning I had to dress up at my school. I had a nice brown flowered dress... and no shoes. I was forced to wear the shoes I had from the day before. Some bright blue Airwalk flip-flops/slides.

Awesome. I was a fashionista that day and I didn't even know it.

Within the last month I've left my house keys at work no less than 4 times. Thankfully, I have the best landlords ever (parents) and they live just down the street. Excuses to go and see my mom. "Forgot my keys again - I promise I'll go make a spare to keep in the car"... still haven't done that.

But - today is mother's day and this picture is the epitome of having everything with you that you need - right when you need it.

Several years ago - my mom was sleeping at the cabin that looks back over our small Tillicum town. She woke up in the wee hours to see this G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S. sunrise. Right place in the right time with the right equipment - my mom snapped this photo. The only version of it that I have always sits on the fridge.

Mom. This photo is an inspiration. You. Are an inspiration. I love you.