Today is my mother’s birthday. She was born in 1918 and died in 2000. Here are a few things that come to mind to commemorate her day.
My mother:
- Earned a Ph.D. in Psychology at age 53 and then went on to practice and teach until she was 82.
- Was married for 32 years to my father, then lived for 29 years with Dorothy LeMole.
- Had seven children, one of whom died when born prematurely at 8 months.
- Was an incessant reader, who taught me the value of lifelong learning.
- Was an ardent Episcopalian who taught me the importance of participating in a faith tradition.
- Was an ardent feminist who taught me the importance of fighting for equal rights.
- Was an active participant in the stock market and in Black Jack and did very well at both.
- Was an avid Democrat who taught me the importance of being politically well-informed.
- Was a loyal daughter who adored her Scottish father, Robert McLucky Waugh, and taught me about the importance of a family connection.
- Was a flawed human being who taught me that we prosper only through grace, not because we “deserve” to be showered with good fortune.
I loved my mother dearly and still feel her presence strongly in my life. She was far from perfect, but was a good and decent woman, nonetheless. I feel lucky indeed to have had her not only as a loving parent but also as a role model.
Happy birthday, Mom. Here’s to your well-lived life.
