My Parents Were Old

As a kid, everyone not your age is old; this is especially true about parents. Growing up, sometimes, when people would call and I would answer the phone, they thought I was my Mom since our voices sounded alike. As I got into my teens and early 20s, people used to say that my Mom and I could be sisters. You can imagine the mortification I felt in my teen years when these things happened. We were not The Gilmore Girls, after all, and my Mom was, in my eyes, more like The Golden Girls.

Of course, as I got older, I realized how ridiculous my assumptions about age were. My parents were not old at 47 because I’m not! I now understand the adage that you are only as old as you feel, and I don’t feel 47! I may have aches and pains and make noises when I get up after sitting for too long, but I still feel youthful, and with the proper skincare regimen, I don’t look 47.

So, here I am at 47, with sunscreen on my face (crucial for skincare), typing this blog post, sitting in my comfy home on a chilly winter day with our dog curled up beside me. Sure, I have some health issues that I struggle with nearly daily, but I am seeing a steady improvement in both my physical and mental health. I would never have imagined being happy as a stay-at-home wife, but I am. I also could not have dreamed of having such tremendous and fulfilling relationships with my family and friends, but I do.

As I sit here, pondering my mother at my age, my heart feels so happy to have her in my life. My Mom had me when she was only 18 and was a stay-at-home wife for most of my childhood and teen years, and I was adamant that I did not want to end up like her. It reminds me of an episode of The Simpsons when Lisa firmly says she does not want to turn out like her mom, Marge, but later realizes her mom is an extraordinary woman and strong role model.

After my Dad left, when my Mom was 34, she went to college to make a better life for herself and us. I saw her work and go to school while still being involved in church and managing to take us kids to church events, practices, and jobs. I noticed she was a hard worker living with hope and intention.

By the time she was 47, she had remarried a fantastic man, my stepfather, and was married for 11 years! Between the two of them, they now had five children aged between 29 and 19, and although we each chose different paths, they managed to love us uniquely and help us as needed. All the while, she prayed for us faithfully and with a heart full of hope and a selfless love that only a mother can have.

I texted my Mom earlier today to ask her what she was doing when she was my age, and she said, “I had just left a job. I was struggling with making sure I was doing God’s will and that I was living in his purpose for me.”

So, where was she when she was 47? Simply put, she was doing what we all do, wondering if her decisions were wise, but unlike others, my Mom was seeking God and his purpose for her! When people tell me that I am like my mother now, it always brings a big smile to my face since I am blessed to have her as a friend and a mom.