Landry: An ode to mom on Mother's Day
May is my favorite month of the year. Graduation, Armed Forces Day, Ascension Day, Memorial Day, but more importantly my birthday is in May. Yes, you may continue celebrating.
What is important to remember, however, is the second Sunday in May — Mother’s Day. This entry will be homage to my mom Jane. I hope by the end of it, you will know how much I appreciate her and hopefully inspire you to do the same thing for your mother.
One of the best qualities of my mom is her patience. With multiple sons who always felt they were right, this seems like an impossible attribute. But Mom being mom, she gave her opinion and when she was right-and when we were wrong-she reminded us why her path was the correct choice. It bothered me to hear that, but it was necessary. I needed to know why something failed. More often than not, Mom was – and still is – right.
My favorite thing about Mom – other than her cooking, which is amazing. She is the best. Whenever I visit, I gain roughly five pounds because she makes sure I eat and the food is just the best – is her sense of humor. This is my favorite because it is something I inherited. Humor is timing, knowledge, place, and delivery. In the Landry family, humor is something we practice often and one of the ways we show affection, although the timing and delivery aspects can be off at times.
We laugh so much together-probably too much-but the family humor undoubtedly derives from both parents. There is, however, a certain wit that comes from Mom and I share it constantly. Whether the recipient appreciates that is another topic altogether but the family gene of wittiness is alive and well.
What cannot be overstated is Mom’s political activism. I am unsure if politics was a goal of hers but it became something that publicly defined her; people know her because of her political position. Her leadership for her city cannot be denied. Over the course of her service, she endured three different mayors from both Parties and several city councils. She assisted with contrasting department heads ranging from fire, police, utilities, etc., and none of them had/have a negative thing to say about her or her leadership capabilities. They still praise her service.
The other part of her leadership is the example she sets for her granddaughters. Mom served in this key leadership position for most of their lives and proved women leaders are able and necessary for a community. The bar is set high for them regardless but if they choose to lead, they know the trail was blazed for them by a great influence.
Moms are special creatures and mine is no different. She has been there for me when needed and supported me when no else did. Mom always said she loved me and that is not difficult for me to say to her (or Dad). I am comfortable talking with Mom, even with the difficult topics because I know she loves me regardless.
I could go on and on about my mom and who could not about their own? This is a short read as I hope you get to spend some quality time either with your mother or in remembrance thereof.
I hope you have a great Mother’s Day, Mom, and your youngest son loves you! To all the mothers who read this piece, happy Mother’s Day to you, as well.
Drew Landry is an assistant professor of government at South Plains College.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Landry: An ode to mom on Mother's Day
