Mothers And Adult Daughters

My mother is coming to visit for two weeks and I am incredibly excited.

We have only seen each other three times in the last four years since I left home for university and adventure and live on the opposite side of the world.

I’ve learned a lot about my mother in the time I’ve been away from her. Perhaps more than I ever did when I was being cared for her every day as a child.

Part of it is the perspective that comes with age, and part of it is the perspective that comes with distance.

By not living in the same city and only having discrete amounts of time with her, I can more appreciate her. I now better understand why she thinks the way she does about certain subjects, I can see how her life has shaped her outlook, and I can appreciate all the wisdom she instilled in me.

I can see her now for who she truly is, as an individual, not just a mother. And I like it.

I no longer feel she is judging me as I would have as a child. Instead we now have a more equal relationship as adults and we can discuss things without any power struggles.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure we will still have our moments, and spending 24/7 with someone for two weeks can be tiring and aggravating no matter how much you love them.

I don’t how things would be if we lived in the same town and could see each other on a moment’s notice. But I’m happy she is coming because we so rarely see each other, and it’s times like this I most cherish our relationship and how her good influence has shaped my life.