My mom at her best!

The greatest gift my mom has given me is that I have seen her at her best.  Starting around when I was 8 years old, my mom started working with at-risk youth through our church which was located on the grounds of a youth correctional center.

For over 25 years she has inspired kids to believe in themselves when everyone else has given up on them.

Through music, art, drama, and nature, my mom has provided opportunities for at-risk youth to explore new avenues in life by doing something they previously would have balked at.  Simply because she believes in them, they have been willing to go out on a limb and try something way out of their comfort zone.

My mom sees the hurt in their eyes.  She sees how they just want to be loved and for someone to notice them.  Even under their persistent gruff attitudes, there is always a child waiting to be loved.

Throughout the years in my mom’s Y.E.S. (Youth Enrichment Specialties) Program big tough guys have been leads in a Christmas play or a drama about the Last Supper.  Youth have sung Michael W. Smith with all their heart.  Shy girls tried liturgical dance.  Budding artists expressed themselves through art and shared with the public through art shows.

Countless times youth have been invited to our home for a holiday dinner, to roll Easter eggs across the grass or work in the garden.  Probably the most sought after activity has been canoeing and walking along the river by our house.

My parents also opened our home for foster kids for many years.  At any hour of the day or night we could be welcoming someone into our home.  It was so customary to have youth in our home that in college when I would call home I would say, “Hi, I’m Summer.  Joy’s daughter. What’s your name?”

I can no longer keep track of the number of nights my mom lays awake thinking how to best help each at-risk youth she meets.  She often says, “These kids do not have anywhere to go.  The system sends them right back to where they got in trouble in the first place.  They cannot make it in the same negative environment.  They don’t have any money to get on their feet.”

Growing up, I knew there were high expectations.  I also knew I had the room to grow and be my own person.  Her motto was always, “go for it!”  I also knew that nothing in life was a complete failure as I saw time and time again when my mom would give someone a 2nd chance.  (Not without some good advice first!)  She would listen at length and then speak with tough love.  She spoke (and still speaks) from the heart with honesty, integrity and compassion.

Through seeing my mom at her best, it has shaped my life.  I too believe in every child, knowing they each hold a gift.  I know that high expectations yield high results and that how we talk to our kids makes a big impact.  I know that as parents it is our responsibility to be mindful and active parents.  It is our responsibility to fuel their bodies with positive direction and healthy food.  Every child deserves to live in love.

I’ve learned that life is about attitude and being there for someone else when they need you.  It is also about choices.  We can choose to believe in ourselves and others.  We can choose to trust others.  We can choose to help other people.  We never know the impact we can make in someone’s life, simply by showing kindness.  Being there to listen to someone is one of life’s greatest gift.  Giving them an opportunity to grow is priceless.  Just sharing a smile can make a difference in someone’s day.

Thank you mom for continuing to shine your light.  I love you!  (This you know since I call you about 8 times a day!  : )  Happy Mother’s Day!

Blessings to all the moms today~

Summer Joy