The Superwoman: Who is she?
Alaina Roach O'Keefe
Dear Mom,
The birds are chirping outside, everything is still.
I listen and wonder what the weekend will bring, rain or sunshine?
It doesn’t matter. We are having a party for you.
It’s your 50th birthday.
To be so beautiful, so elegant, so classy.
I can’t wait to see your eyes light up when you see everyone. You are so gorgeous when you smile.
You light up a room, unaware of others eyes.
You have set a phenomenal example of how to love.
Unconditionally, passionately, you have loved my father for 30+ years.
My brother and I look at you, our parents in awe, and wonder. Hoping we can do the same.
It seems so hard when you are just starting out.
Some say, “these are the best years of my life,” but I look at you and question that saying.
You love life. You live it. You just keep getting better and better; happier and happier. Your best years are yet to come.
I can’t wait to get to 50.
What can I say? You have soared as a business woman in a patriarchal culture that frustrates and suppresses many that try and make it. You not only have made it, succeeded, but you have changed some rules along the way, negotiated with the discourse of femininity, and made it your own.
You will laugh, but it is true.
Everyone loves you for it.
You are respected and admired and should be very proud of what you have achieved.
I only hope that I have the patience and determination to do the same. I hope you realize this, what you have done.
You are creative. You have a vision like no other.
You are envied for your talent in creating beautiful things, whether it be a candle holder, or a room- you are our very own “Martha,” except better, because:
Everything you create is beautiful because it comes from inside you. It is a part of you. And it surrounds us, our family. I am so lucky to have such positive energy around me. Because of you, I have hope, faith and love in my life.
Do you know that you do this for so many people?
Do you see the life you bring to others?
I don’t know. I hope so.
Have you an inkling of how you make others feel when you are around them?
You remind me of what you used to tell people about what your older sister used to be like.
However, you don’t realize that you are describing yourself.
Intelligent. Successful. Charismatic. Beautiful. Charming. Funny. Quick witted. Caring. Strong. Giving.
People love to be around you. They crave you. I know I do.
Lunches. They are so special with you.
You listen like there is no one else there, it is only us.
Continuing, even though I am 24 years old, to teach me daily lessons on love, life and people. You counsel, love, and still continue to give me the tools to grow as a person. You make me feel so good about myself, I have you to thank for my own successes.
Love.
I see the way Dad looks at you. I see the smiles and laughs, and silent moments you share.
He watches you intently when you don’t realize he is looking. He catches me watching him. He winks, knowing I have caught him. He loves you so.
There is nothing he would not do for you. You are the sparkle in his eye, and the passion in his voice.
You have unselfishly given yourself to “them” for 30 years. You have always been patient, kind, and forgiving. You took your vows seriously.
There is a calm, peaceful, respectful love between you and dad. You have been through so much. Two normal people would have never made it. You are phenomenal. All because of love and hope, trust and faith.
People love to be around you. You make them feel so good about themselves.
People feel that they are lucky to know you, to be in your company, to have you smile at them.
Mom, I love you so much. I hope your 50th birthday is special for you. It is special for me, because you are with us. I feel so fortunate to be your daughter. When people say I am so much like you, my spirit soars ~ it is the biggest compliment anyone could ever give me. Cheers to another 50 years together!
Love always your daughter,
Alaina
June 24, 2004
