stephmodo: Remembering

Remembering

• 31 December 2009

























After putting the kids to bed last night, I came downstairs to my quiet kitchen to document all the thoughts spinning in my head that day...a yummy trifle I recently made, an organizing tip, a short video of La Maisonnette, and some images recently clipped from a favorite magazine. Then, I noticed a link I'd left on my computer earlier that day--a link to a series in the Arizona Republic about Stephanie Nielson's plane crash and miraculous recovery. I sat down to read it and found myself pouring through the web pages, wholly immersed (even though I've been following her blog, this series of articles shares new insight). Forty-five minutes later I wiped my eyes and could only think of Stephanie, her struggles, her pain, and the challenges she's facing in her personal life.

I felt particularly impressed with her honesty, faith and love for motherhood. You see, not everyone comes wired the same way, and while I love my children with all of my heart and have willingly suffered to bring them to the world, I do not feel currently equipped to be the kind of mother that Stephanie has always been...pre- and post-crash. However, whenever I read her posts, and in particular this story, I am increasingly motivated to change, to improve and to be the kind of mother my children need me to be. I try so hard, but I know I need to increase my efforts.

I am deeply appreciative for all we've accomplished as a family in 2009 and hoping for a bright and hopeful 2010. May we all allow another persons' example to move us towards developing our full potential in this upcoming new year. How lucky we are to experience a new beginning and put our best foot forward. Friends, have a wonderful new year!

image by Elizabeth Perry of Woolgathering

16 comments:

  1. I am going to check out those links right away....I was extremely moved by her and her husband both when I watched them on Oprah. Her sweet countenance really resonated with me. Thanks for the reminder of what we're called to do as mothers daily! Happy New Year and May God bless you abundantly!

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  2. lovely post steph - happy new year to you too!

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  3. I could not agree more. Affection and mothering do not come naturally to me, but Stephanie's blog has truly changed the way I view my role. It's hard to not feel moved by one who is obviously so in love with being a mom. I too, am trying a little harder every day to become the kind of mom I know I want to be. Thanks for sharing this.

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  4. Beautiful. I also cried when I read the story of Nie. I am also inspired by her. It is my goal to be a better mother too. More kind, patient and soft...does that make sense? I have a problem with the tone I use with my kids. Thanks!

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  5. I somehow stumbled upon her story about a month ago and did the same thing for at least 30 minutes (poured through the images, the story, etc.). What a beautiful lady.

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  6. Beautifully put. I totally agree. After reading that story I found myself really re-evaluating how I approach motherhood - and feeling so grateful for Stephanie's example and for our capacity to grow as mothers and people.

    Happy New Year!

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  7. That's exactly how I feel when I read her posts. It inspires me to be a better Mom not because she tries to be perfect, but because she is so honest and sweet about everything. I find her so inspiring because of her authenticity. Happy New Year!

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  8. I definitely need reminders now and then to work harder at being a better mother. Stephanie's story is deeply moving and inspiring. I will never be perfect but I will keep trying to be the best mom I can be for my kids. Happy New Year to you as well!

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  9. I recently found your blog and love it! I know what you mean about Stephanie, I just love her, and am constantly inspired by her. Very beautiful,well put post!

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  10. Thanks for sharing your end of year thoughts. Stephanie was my yoga teacher in arizona, and I've thought of her daily since the accident. I love how you expresses our differences in mothering, and the ways that we inspire one another towards being the best moms we can be. Happy new year!

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  11. You know I never make any new year resolutions as I always find it to be an exercise in overeaching, but this post has spurred to me to make 2010 the year I concentrate on the 2 things I need to be the best at, mothering and being a wife. Thank you for this. Happy New Year to you and your family.
    Engracia

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  12. Интересно написано....но многое остается непонятнымb

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  13. Stephanie is such an incredible example and I appreciate your honesty and candor. Have an amazing 2010.

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  14. Wonderful post. May we all rise to the challenges and trials in our lives. Each of us is blessed with special talents that make us unique. While we strive to always raise the bar and do better, each of us will do it differently. Not necessarily better or worse, just different. I made your mushroom crostini last night and it was so good! I love your recipes. Happy New year!

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  15. You summed that up perfectly. I feel the same way when I read Nie's story and blog. She has a gift for inspiring us all to be better mothers by loving the simple moments.

    Happy 2010! Can't wait to see what you do this year!

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  16. Beautiful post! That's why I love Stephanie so much! It was her perspective on a particular conference talk (a talk that made me want to walk to UT barefoot and punch someone in the head) that helped me to start changing my approach to motherhood. It's good to count our blessings. Happy New Year!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to drop a line. I really appreciate it!

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