Mother's Day

I am a very private individual. It has been through much thought and contemplation I bring this blog to you.
There are very few who know the story behind the personalized plates on my truck.
Although my mother is no longer with us I want to share this treasured moment with you on this, Mother's Day. I trust it will benefit a few.
My mother was a very strong women with solid convictions and a very insightful way of always challenging beliefs.
My experience takes place about two months before her passing. She had been suffering from dementia for some time and was progressively worsening. Recent visits found her often incoherent and nearly impossible to understand. Her voice at times barely a whisper. I would tell her of my day and all that was going on trusting she heard me. At times I would just read to her or put on her favorite music.
I was searching for the perfect phrase or word for personalized plates on my truck. Something that had meaning for me, and would also benefit any who saw them. I had written and contemplated dozens of names however none resonated well with what I was trying to accomplish.
One afternoon as I was visiting my mom, who happened to be having one of those days she was really not coherent at all, I was reading to her and talking about all that was new in life. I decided to tell her about my plight in finding a name for my personalized plate. It was really weird. She stirred and whispered something however I was unable to discern what she had said. I leaned in, maybe just a few inches from her, and requested she repeat once again. She did. She said "COURAGE." I heard it clearly. Then she was gone again.
The word COURAGE now graces the plates on my truck and forever will.
My mom was a courageous woman, never afraid to challenge, making you think about why you believe what you do.
This one word courage has carried me through many challenges since that day. I am so grateful for my mom. I love her dearly. She has blessed me with the courage to challenge, to be all I am able, and to challenge you to do the same.
Thanks MOM, I love you. :-)

My mission - purpose - is to assist others to achieve a higher quality of life and understanding - realizing their power and purpose in life through gaining clarity of thought and definiteness of purpose.
marshall@marshallshouse.com