Have you ever seen the movie Frequency with Dennis Quaid and James Caviezel? It's about a fireman who connects with his son 30 years in the future. The fireman dies in a fire but the son is able to basically go back in time and give him advice that keeps him alive. There are some twists and the consequences of the fireman staying alive is the focus of the rest of the movie.
My favorite part of the movie is when they are talking about baseball, life, love and if the son is still his "little chief." I got to thinking that if I could speak to my mom now but she is a young adult. Maybe before any of us were born or maybe after I was born. What would I tell here? What is it that I want her to know about the future that she does not know in her present time? Could I say something that would change the course of her life? Would she listen and learn or would she take the path that she has taken to get her to the point she is now. That movie makes me WISH I could say something to my "younger" mother that will help her become a better person.
First I would tell her that she is smart and talented. I am not sure who told her she wasn't but even after a conversation I had with her tonight, she made a reference that "if she was smart." It is heartbreaking to hear it but she don't think she is smart. I would tell her that if she listen to her hear and not the people around her, there is a bigger world outside of Chattanooga and when someone invites her to move to California or if her Aunt asks her to move to New York, run don't walk. Your opportunity lies in your talents and not in the man you marry.
Next I would tell her that being a single mom is not as tough as some people may want you to believe and being a single mom will present it challenges but peace is going to outweigh any challenge you think you will face. If you leave Chattanooga and look for opportunity elsewhere, you can survive as a single parent and give your children better opportunities in life.
Another thing I will tell her that she has a gift. She can cook and she loves to design homes. There's this woman named Martha Stewart and you can out cook her any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Her design talents will be famous because she sacrificed and the right people endorsed her. You are twice as talented if you would just sacrifice as much as she does.
Finally, I would tell her know your worth and do not allow anyone to make you feel any less. I cannot change the tough times that has happened to you in the past but I will say if you forgive those who wronged you and move forward you will see a blessing far beyond what any man can give you.
Whenever I watch this movie, I think about what I would tell my young mother if I had that opportunity. I can't do it but I do tell my children these things and hope they know they are smart, talented and they can succeed.
Peace,
T.
