My mom’s name is Ellen but she is Scarlet O’Hara basically with the intense core of survival and ability to love with all her being. She has plenty of manners and charm to cover it all as situation demands. I don’t much look like her but realized lately there are a lot of things we have in common.
Contentment
Through good times and the worst we know we have what matters: food, clothes, health, and family. Although she and I have different views of God and church we know that life is a blessing to be enjoyed to the fullest.
Aesthetics
We both appreciate birds, flowers, and scenery. She and I have some drawing and painting ability. We go crazy over jewelry.
Music
I’m more into karaoke than she is, but we enjoy classical music, especially Pachebel’s Canon. She’s the one that got me into Celine Dion. I don’t know if I should be thankful or not. She recently developed an affinity for Lindsey Stirling and Lana del Ray.
Stoicism
One of her favored expressions is: “Let bygones be bygones” which is similar to mine: “It is what it is”. We both refuse to dwell in the past much less glance at it preferring to live for the now (albeit retaining some what ifs and dreams of the future). Sentimentality is for suckers. Therefore it’s easier for us to shut people out without remorse.
Hoarders
Our love language = gifts, gifts, gifts. We may let go of people and status but tend to like stuff so much. She is to be credited/ blamed for my propensity not to throw anything away.
Jealousy
Desiring attention? Check. Possessive when said attention is challenged? Check check. Insecurity and fear of loss running amuck when dealing with a rival? Check times infinity (Crazytown – population: us)
Punctual
She’s a time Nazi and I’m not too far behind. I feel physically panicked when I’m running late.
Vernacular
My mom is proficient in Korean and English. She can pick up words and phrases with ease. It must be genetic because I have a fondness for learning languages such as French, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, etc. She almost knocked me off my chair one time saying “wtf” while we were watching Splendor in the Grass (boring movie but guess she’s into it).
Eats
Nom nom…chicken & rice then round it off with Haagen Dazs, good night!
Once upon a time she too was an innocent girl with simple dreams until reality beat her up. I appreciate that she gave me a lot of freedom growing up and giving me her support over the years. I wish I had her sewing ability, cooking skills, maintenance/ stewardship, and smooth skin. Her story is like a soap opera. Anyone who picks up their life and moves to another country has an amazing story to tell. And then add in her experiences with men, it’s like a female version of Henry VIII: married, divorced, married, widowed, married again at present. Sometimes I wish I could visit her past self and see what she went through, my life is not half so interesting.
You are incredible, mom, love you!