With Mother's Day on Sunday, I feel compelled to devote this post to our Moms. A short blog won't do them justice, but it would be worse to miss them all together.
My three favorite Moms are my lovely wife Kimra, my mother Ruth, and my mother-in-law Marilyn. I have, of course, listed them no particular order. Obviously if you're my favorite you know who you are so really no need to spell that out here, right?
I'm not perfect and I've learned a lot from these ladies. What I've realized is that the more I handle situations the way they would, the better off I am. They make it look effortless, but for me, it's real work.
- They're gracious and humble, whereas I'm considered a "Mr. Know-It-All". My Mom has probably read this on my report card every year since the third grade.
- They're inclusive and accepting while I can be intimidating. As my wife reminds me, I need to take the intensity level down a notch or two sometimes.
- They're self-less and kind, but I often wonder, what's in it for me? On a whim, my mother-in-law will drop everything to help someone out.
All three represent what I try to be on my very best days. If only that were every day...I'd be a better boss, better leader, and better friend.
I have also learned a lot from the mothers I work with. They amaze and inspire me. Their varied and hectic experiences in life, balancing so many competing demands, give them a special perspective.
- They have two jobs and both involve putting others first. They spend all day pleasing clients and then go home to their #1 customer of all, their family. They always play second chair and never complain as duty calls.
- They are uniquely gifted to deliver the toughest of messages, in a way that the person receiving it feels safe and inspired to make a change for the good. Believe me, I know through first-hand experience!
- They balance incredible demands while somehow seeming cool and collected in the heat of battle. Work is challenging, no doubt. But they see the world through a different set of lenses that puts perspective on their hourly demands.
- And then they get up in the morning and do it all again. There is no timeout. There is no offseason. There are only people to please and demands to meet.
To all my Moms at Gibson, thank you. Just like at home, you make us a better place and you help us become better people.
And to my three favorite Moms of all, thank you as well. Unfortunately, as it pertains to me, your work is not done. But with your example, I'll keep trying. Happy Mother's Day.
