Happy Mother’s Day!

Me and my mom hamming it up for our selfies 😉

Today we celebrate Mother’s Day and although I can’t be in New York with my mom today, she is always in my heart no matter where we both are in the world (She’s in NY and I’m in Singapore).  I’m linking up today with Belinda over at “Found Love Now What” and her “Blog Everyday in May” challenge and today’s prompt was one I could not miss.  I have to say, my mom is one brave woman and I admire her greatly for all that she accomplished and taught me.

My mom met my dad when they were in grad school at Michigan State.  My dad was there from Brazil pursuing his MBA and my mom was there from Japan focusing on English as Second Language.  Mutual friends introduced them together and well, the rest is history.

My dad moved her to Brazil after they graduated, taking her to a new country where she didn’t speak the language and knew not a soul.  But you know what?  She thrived and she continues to thrive no matter where my dad moves her.

She’s a strong-willed woman who taught herself how to speak Portuguese in her late 20’s and although her Portuguese is not perfect today, she speaks it damn well, if I may say so myself.  Her first year there was hard.  She didn’t know anyone and even if she did, they wouldn’t be able to communicate.  But she persevered by learning Portuguese and embracing life.  And then I was born..

My dad moved us every two years up until we moved to Brussels (they ended up staying there for 5.5 years and I left after 2.5 years to go to NH), taking us to many different cities and countries.  But my mom dealt with each move with grace and dignity.  She made us a home at each house we lived in and embraced each move with such class and style.  And oh my, is she the social butterfly….! She was quick to make friends with the other expat wives and help the younger wives get their bearings.  In fact, when I go home to visit them, I have to make my mom promise she’ll clear her schedule so we can spend time together!!  Or she forgets I’m coming home altogether and books a holiday to Hawaii with my dad!! She can be a ditz at times 😉

But really, I am proud to say I am my mother’s daughter.  I definitely get my adventurous spirit and courage from her.  She taught me in a very indirect way that it’s ok to pursue your dreams and to go and live in this world.  Although she does always question my choices…!

Here’s to you Mom, I can’t wait to see you & Dad soon in Singers!