LIke Mother Like Daughter

I woke up at 5 a.m. and couldn't fall back asleep. When I told me why, I said, "Because I am my Mother's Daughter."

My mom has a long history of waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to fall asleep. She has used those times to pray. I tend to use them to rehearse unpleasant conversations, past or future, or strategize upcoming decisions or plans. Maybe my life would be better if I chose to be more like my mother in how I spend my awake times.

I talked to my mom last night and she said, "My eightees aren't turning out to be as fun as I had anticipated." This is so much like her -- and me. All kinds of optimism and looking forward to things.

I am also amazed that my mom continues to grow as a person. She was telling me this week that she had asked God to teach her patience. I said, "WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU PRAY FOR THAT NOW?" When I am 80, I am going to be completely content with however much patience I happen to have.

So as I approach tomorrow, the day I turn 46, over half way to 90, I'm remembering my mom and how this apple didn't fall far from that tree.

And even though there are some things I wouldn't prefer, like waking up in the middle of the night, I am grateful for her optimism, strength and spiritual fervor which I either genetically inherited or picked up on by being raised by her.

Thanks, Mom!