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Viv, what a heartwarming tribute. Thanks for sharing it.
I guess the physical part is for biological offspring. Physical trait she tried to impart was lipstick application; I don't believe I ever saw her without perfect lipstick. And she didn't seem to apply it that often.
Non-physical trait: ability to leave a party or event (usually graciously, I hope!) as soon as it becomes more tiring than invigorating.
I've inherited more physical traits from my dad than my mum, but I do need to thank her for the tiniest, cutest little ears and hair that will never go grey.
As for character, I've absorbed her tenacity, her ability to listen, learn and teach, and of course, her passion for adventurous style!
Minimalist: Those are two areas I could use help with even now! Your mother gave you great gifts.
Just wanted to say to all how much I am enjoying this. It's lovely to read all that we have received from mothers, fathers, grandparents -- biological or not. Thank you for sharing.
Just want to add our moms are our moms whether they are biologically connected are not. And also, I am wishing peace to anyone who has a hard time on Mother's Day, as there are a host of reasons this may be so.
Delurked: absolutely! Adoptive or not, parents are parents and are the bedrock of a child's life.
I read a paper once (Malcolm Gladwell, I think?) on how the research indicates that adopted children resemble their biological parents far more, in terms of temperament and intellect, than their adoptive ones. No surprise there. However, these things seem to matter little in the grand tapestry of life; adoptive children do far better, in terms of general success in life, than you would predict if you had to base your guess on their genetic endowments. Where, how and with whom you grow up does matter!
Physical traits: my mum's aquamarine eyes, dark hair, and, apparently, her distinct way of walking with erect posture and long strides.
From her character: my mum's pragmatic skepticism and willingness to go against the norm after thinking things through for herself. The latter trait held me in good stead in my teenage and young adult years when group pressure held many of my friends in its sway. My mum (and my dad) also were a decade or two ahead of their time in supporting the idea a woman ought to have a career even if she was married with children. In the forties and fifties it was a rarity to have a mum who wore suits and went off to her office each morning.
I'm adopted, so I don't know exactly what I got from who. However, my (adoptive) mom and I have the same pale blue eyes and pale skin and fair hair. People who haven't met me & my siblings often guess that my sister is the adopted one and I am the biological one, which is crazy. But my sister is the spitting image of our dad and anybody that knew my dad but never met my sister knows who she is the first time they see her.
My character traits I can definitely attribute to my mom. I may not be her biological children but I learned my pragmatism and perseverance from her for sure. I'm finding myself to he more and more like her as I get older and continue in my sobriety. Matter of fact, in early recovery, it was probably my mom's example that she set throughout my childhood that got me through the first few difficult years. I love my mom.
I wish I had inherited more of my mom's physical traits--her olive skin, her dark hair which turned a perfect silver as she aged--the list goes on.... What she did pass on to me was the importance of education and a love of reading. She encouraged all my youthful enthusiasms. My love of animals is the direct result of her allowing me to have lots of pets over the years. Since my dad was for the most part out of the picture she had to do all the parenting during my difficult teen years. It wasn't easy being my mother but she did her very best. I will always remember her advice about parties which I've tried to apply much more broadly --"Comb your hair and look at yourself one last time before you leave the house--then stop thinking about yourself--focus on the people around you."
While my sister looks more like our mum, I did inherit my mum's very fair skin and bone structure. We're opposites when it comes to body type, and I wasn't blessed with naturally straight hair (unlike my mum & sister). Here's a picture of the 3 of us, so you know what I mean!
I did inherit my mum's love for all things beautiful and her sharp mind. Also, her LOVE for shopping.
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I inherited lots of my traits from Mum. Physically it is her olive skin that is probably most obvious. Her and her siblings used to be perceived as part Indian due to their skin. Aussies reading this will laugh, in a Sally Morgan kind of way.
Physical: Similar facial appearance and expressions Emotional: Stubbornness ( double edged sword that one ! )
Style wise, we both love turtlenecks and on occasions have unconsciously worn the same ensemble, ie. skinny rib wool skivvy, V-neck sweater and jeans ( I kid thee not ! )
Favorite inherited physical trait: hands (they aren't especially distinctive--neither long fingered nor short, not thick, etc. but medium, well proportioned hands and fingers that are very capable for manual tasks like sewing, playing piano, handwriting) and skin
Favorite inherited character trait: a sardonic sense of humor and a hilarious lack of ability to tell a joke.
