While waiting for my lunch recently at a neighborhood café I read the messages on a few Mother's Day cards in the adjoining gift shop. The cards spoke of Mom's many inspirational qualities. But could I express these sentiments as easily as a greeting card, whose writers always seem to find le mot juste - just the right word?
That is exactly what a friend asked me to do a couple of days later as we were on the phone and conversation turned to Mother's Day. "How would you epitomize your mom?" she began. "What is her legacy?"
After pausing to reflect on her question, I answered, "My late mother Harriet had many great attributes. But the character trait that really inspired me over the years was her optimistic outlook on life.
"She had faith that good things would happen. When they did, she rejoiced. When they didn't, she would answer, 'Let it be a kapora.' Let it stand for something worse that was avoided."
People are also reading…
After that talk, I got to thinking, how do others epitomize their mothers? I decided to ask that question to a few folks, most of whom live and/or work in the foothills. Their answers were as diverse as there are different mothers in the world.
• Jonathan Rothschild, Tucson mayor
In my family, lively discussions are the norm. My mother, Anne, is 83 years old and just as passionate today about causes she cares about as when I was growing up. I learned from her a sense of social justice and concern for the rights of women.
She also gave me a lifelong love of reading and learning.
• Dean Greenberg, president of Greenberg Financial Group and managing partner of Shlomo and Vito's New York Delicatessen and Pizza Kitchen
My late mom, Lois, was the most generous person I have ever known. Her generosity was not just about money; she gave of her time and of herself.
Lois loved to hold heartfelt talks over dessert; her favorite thing was to ask for just a smidgen. Shlomo and Vito's was built in her honor, so people can come and feel welcome in a family atmosphere. The Smidgen on the menu is named for Lois and her unmatched love for learning about and helping everyone.
• Sue Giles, editor-in-chief, Tucson Lifestyle magazine
Several years after becoming editor-in-chief of Tucson Lifestyle magazine, I realized that I needed the best proofreader I knew - that was my late mother, Dene, who had honed her skills at my father's printing company. Even though she had retired from a career in the hospitality industry, she began reading/checking copy with the same professionalism that had defined her work years.
Our staff called her "Eagle Eye." She brought to her tasks all the traits I knew so well - compassion, dedication and humor, among others. She defined "best" in every way. In every way I miss her - to this day.
• Sarah Hamilton, gallery associate at Jane Hamilton Fine Art
I am thankful to have the most loving, generous, involved mother imaginable. No stranger to sacrifice and hard work, she raised four children alone. Although she sometimes worked two or three jobs, I can't remember a single time she missed a school function, play or dance recital.
In 2001, my siblings and I cheered when our mother opened Jane Hamilton Fine Art, a gallery here in Tucson. Thank you, Mom, for encouraging our every dream … while making us part of your own success story!
• Dr. Stephen Joel Coons, professor emeritus, UA College of Pharmacy; director of a consortium in the Critical Path Institute
My late mother, Elizabeth (Betty), had a positive impact on the people around her in both her personal life and professional life as a public health nurse. She not only kept me grounded - her work ethic and the compassionate way she connected with others made her the best role model I could have.
I continue to follow in my mother's footsteps, being engaged in activities that can lead to enhanced human health and well being.
• The Rev. David Wilkinson, senior pastor at St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church
My mother, Genevieve, who gave birth to four children, also assumed the expected role of clergy-wife by directing the choir, organizing women's circles, etc.; all this while plagued with ulcerative colitis. She also attended all my sporting events until her death at age 47.
At the same time she inspired an active commitment to social justice in all her children and in the youth she taught in Sunday School. She was active in the civil rights movement long before the Montgomery (Ala.) bus boycott and catalyzed controversy in the totally white church my father served.
Best of all, she knew how to play, laugh and sing. She gave me life … abundantly.
Email freelance writer Barbara Russek at Babette2@comcast.net
