When I thought my mom was cruel for making me climb the narrow stairs to the attic when I cried,
She was really teaching me I had to stop feeling sorry for myself if I wanted to focus on moving upward.

When I thought my mom was neglecting me by having three jobs and never being home,
She was really teaching me work ethics to support myself and those I love.

When I thought my mom was mean for spanking me when I misbehaved,
She was really teaching me think harder about making wiser choices.

When I thought my mom didn’t like me because she didn’t spend much time playing with me as a kid,
She was really teaching me to be independent.

When I thought my mom was embarrassing me by making me wear hand-me-down clothes,
She was really teaching me humility.

When I thought my mom was cheap because she wouldn’t buy me my favorite tennis shoes,
She was really teaching me budgeting skills.

When I thought my mom was playing favorites by buying something for my siblings instead of me,
She was really teaching me about priorities and sharing.

When I thought my mom hated me because she wouldn’t talk to me,
She was really teaching me that she won’t always be there.

In memory of Sophie Marie Philipczyk 3/9/43 – 2/27/13