Growing up, I had everything I needed: clothes, shelter, food, love, etc. I never had to worry for anything because I had a family who loved and protected me. Looking back, I realize how truly blessed I was and still am. We didn't have a lot of money growing up, but I never knew that. My mom worked her butt off to care for my sister and me and never let us feel like we didn't have what we needed. I always took my mom for granted as a kid, but now, she is someone I look up to and I'm constantly asking myself, "How does she do it?"
Not only is my mom one of the strongest women I have ever met, she created strong women too. My sister and I have both been blessed to have my mom as a teacher for handling the real world. And while we don't always get it right, we keep on trying because that's what mama taught us.
When my sister was 18, she moved out and explored the country. She was and still is very independent. I, on the other hand, still live at home during the summer while going to college during the school year. Neither of our paths are right or wrong, they are just different. I often remember my sister telling me when I was younger, "You're book smart, not street smart". Man oh man was she right. I am great in school, but the real world is still pretty scary to me.
Now at the age of 20, I'm halfway through college, starting to pay some of my bills, and working a lot more. My sister is 26, running her own company, and raising a family. My sister is now a great mama herself. Whenever things get hard for me, I look to her for inspiration.
When I see her, she is constantly moving, constantly getting things done. When someone else can help with the kids, it's a chance for her to mow the grass, water the garden, etc. She told me when the kids are being watched, it is her opportunity to get stuff done; even though most people would use it as time to sit back and relax.
I am so blessed in life to have two women I can look up to whenever I am feeling down. I still have a lot of growing to do, but I know I can make it through because of the support system I have behind me. I have learned in life that there is no challenge to big in life for me to handle when I have my support system behind me.
Life gets really hard sometimes. Sometimes life really isn't all that hard, but still manages to kick me in the butt. We all face challenges in life. But my mom has taught me that I can make it through just about anything. My sister has shown me that the impossible definitely is possible. And when the world decides to beat you up, you have to be willing to fight right back.
