"you are wonderful"

"wonderful", "tough", and "smart" are not descriptors I would use for myself...if you were to ever compliment me using those words, I would probably look back at you with a deadpan expression...not knowing that to thank you and smile would be the socially acceptable way to react.

tonight, my mother made me cry by using those exact words to encourage me. I have to say that growing up, I rarely ever heard these words from my parents. there may be several reasons for this:
1) for many years, I was really really bratty. and an ANGRY brat at that. let's just say I've slammed my share of doors.
2) my dad is the stereotypical unexpressive "chinese father"
3) again, in the most stereotypical way possible - failure (and being told of that failure) was always the force behind eventual success

and thus - it was with real difficulty that I swallowed the words she used to describe me. part of me is still in awe of the fact that she thinks of me this way - with genuine sincerity. It reminded me to be brave...to be that woman she believes I am.

I feel very blessed right now. I think that it's by God's grace alone that even the most tumultuous of relationships can mend.

Have a good chat with your mom, ya'll. You may find yourself blessed in strange ways.