A Case for Hope
Sometimes there are moments in all our lives when we look back and realize we HAVE done something right! Erin, our youngest daughter, took us on a rocky journey from her thirteenth birthday onward. Although she had a genius IQ and nearly every talent and gift you can imagine, she suffered from self-esteem issues as well as an addictive personality.
Coupled with a fiercely independent spirit (she told us several years ago that when Dad and I told her, ”No,” that was the green light!) and a risk-taking approach to life, we wondered if she would even LIVE to be 30! Yet, through it all (and there are stories you would be hard put to believe), I believed in her and prayed for her and supported her.
Today she is a lovely young woman with two college degrees and a wonderful job in fashion design. Those of you who know Erin or who have prayed for her over the yeas will be particularly touched by the words below, and those of you who don’t, can relate, I’m sure, since all families and relationships have their battles and their triumphs, their ups and their downs, their laughter and their tears, their fears and their hopes.
This was the birthday card I received from Erin on May 24, 2011:
Mom,
You’ve always let me be me,
Even when my free-spirited ways
Were a little much.
Because – let’s face it –
I’m not always an angel.
I can be downright sassy at times,
Not to mention stubborn and ridiculous.
But you still love me,
Even if you have to straighten my halo out
Every once in a while.
I’ve been known to hang up
my wings on occasion,
But I’ve never gone anywhere
Without you in my heart..
I never will.
You’re the real angel
And I’m just glad to be
Under your care.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Although this was one of the most perfect and touching cards I have ever received, her personal note to me meant even more. I have asked her permission to share it with you:
“Happy Birthday, Mom! I thought this card was pretty perfect, and I really do think that you’re the reason that I made it through my hardships and came out on the other side to be successful.
Another card I saw that I thought was very fitting said, “You didn’t tell me how to be; you SHOWED me how to be.” Thank you for being such an inspiration. I am so incredibly proud of you and all that you have accomplished, and it’s hard to even conceive how many lives you have been able to touch.
I know sometimes we drive each other crazy, but it’s probably because we are so similar. Always know that when I‘m teasing you, it is always in good fun. You’ve given me some good material! 😉
I am so lucky to never have to doubt for a second that you will support me and be there for me in anything I do. The same goes from me to you. I love you so very much and feel incredibly blessed that you are my mother (and my #1 cheerleader!)
Love, Erin”
After reading this lovely card and, I must admit, shedding some very grateful tears, I came across this quotation which made me think of my precious daughter. I added the word in parentheses:
“When I let go of who I (think) I am, I can become who I might be.”
Lao-tse Tsung
Because of her hard work and my loving support, Erin was able to let go of the overwhelming feelings that were holding her back. The precious message for all of us, I think, is that every day of our lives we each have the hope of “becoming who we might be.” We just need someone to walk beside us, hold our hands, and cheer us on. I am deeply honored that I could share Erin’s journey.
NEVER GIVE UP HOPE!
To learn more about Barbara’s work, go to www.barbaraglanz.com.
