Madre 1.6.55

“As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.” ~Marianne Williamson

This is a fitting quote for today as it is the 60th birthday of my mother, Vicki Weeks. Perhaps the single greatest thing she has ever taught me is the ability to let my light shine ("light" was also my first word). Sometimes her light tries to take refuge beneath an exterior that has been beautifully callused by layers of experience. But this light's persistence cannot be contained. It always finds a way to push through the cracks in her soul's mighty armor.

Constructing any sort of coherent laudatory tribute to my mother has always been challenging because no matter the quantity nor quality of my words, I know that they will be unable to accurately portray her radiance. I also hold myself back in order to prevent the bitter sting of loss from nipping at the heels of the ones whose eyes will fall upon these words; some have lost their mothers (including my mom). In this case, however, I will accept the inevitability of pain with the knowledge that my attempt may create a ripple of joy in her mind. And so I let the words spill forth from my fingertips for the one who created me.

My mother has taught me to be bold, kind, selfless, gentle, strong, caring. She has nurtured, protected, disciplined, encouraged, supported, loved. The experience of growing up as the second youngest of three brothers and two sisters taught her to be grateful for what she has but to also fight for her dreams. She has traversed the globe with the brazen spirit of an albatross and yet thrives in her den like a slumbering lioness. Her spirit is imbued with a dedication to eradicating the world's darkness. And she does this by letting her light shine.

She knows just what to say when I'm dwelling in the doldrums. She can find the courage to say what is not always popular but necessary. She knows when to be absurdly playful and when to be pragmatic. She is both my shepherd who guides me and the sheep whose wool supplies me with a bounty of comfort.

The Buddha once said, "Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." Countless roaring fires have been lit by my mother's candle, and countless more to come. Even though we may be worlds apart, my heart's roaring fire will forever burn in the soothing company of yours.

Te amo, madre. Gracias para todo.