Mother's Day Tribute to an Inspirational Mom

Many people and life events have provided me inspiration, but the woman to whom I eternally thankful is also the one who has most inspired me. How timely this post about my mom as we celebrate another Mother’s Day.

When I recall some of my happiest moments, most of them feature my mother. As an only child, I was quite inquisitive and precocious, but her patience knew no boundaries. No matter how many adventures I sought, the times when my questions came at her most swiftly than the wind, her ways, intelligence and wisdom held me in awe. Why does the sun stop shining at some point in the day? Why can’t I go to Lisa’s house? How soon will we get to the beach? Whether my queries were easy or difficult, she always provided an answer. Was never too busy. Always put her child’s and husband’s needs before her own. Mom multi-tasked with the best. She knew the neatest household tips for saving time and money. Told me her secret for keeping healthy and how to find time for exercise despite an otherwise hectic life. Until she was diagnosed with cancer, my mom maintained her same weight for over fifteen years, never smoked or consumed alcohol, never took any medication, ate a balanced diet and exercised regularly. Despite her healthy and diligent ways all her married life, exposure to second-hand smoke earlier in her life took its silent toll until it was too late.

When it came to my writing and reading habits, mom always encouraged me. When other children were reading novels for their age group, she fortunately introduced me to literary classics and more advanced reading material. And eventually to romance fiction, including the Gothics. Our weekly trips to the library were much anticipated. Many times we’d stop at my grandmother’s for a delightful lunch afterward, or we’d take a trip somewhere special for our dining. How we’d giggle over our ice cream cones. She’d tell me bedtime stories every night until I reached the age of ten. Mom would listen intently as I told her of the skit I’d soon perform for neighbors, friends and other family members. Not once did she laugh at my youthful exuberance or innocent ways. We’d collaborate on plots for those performances, and she’d applaud my efforts the loudest of any in the audience. The days when we spent time in the family kitchen provided enough fond memories to last ten lifetimes. Mom was so cool. She made preparing anything look easy and taught me how to cook meals for any occasion.

During her battle with terminal cancer, that is the time she most inspired me. Her pain and suffering were set aside, and she offered this advice about my embarking on a writing career—“Never surrender your dreams or give up on your goals. Life is tough but you have to do everything possible to keep living. You never know what you can accomplish until you try. If you fail, try again and try harder.” I immediately jotted down her advice on a desk notepad and have kept those words close and precious. Until her final breath, she didn’t surrender. She fought a good fight and never complained despite the fact the cancer spread to her bones. Kept reading romance novels until the rigorous combination of radiation and chemotherapy affected her eyesight. Did what she most enjoyed doing until cancer advanced and interrupted the program.

When I’ve a difficult day, I always take time, step back from the problem, and recall her cancer struggle. If she could endure such pain from her cancer, and debilitating effects from her therapy, why in the world should I mope or complain about my situation? A situation for which there was at least one solution and eventual respite?

I recently went through a tremendously rough period in my life. The roughest since her passing. But each day before I’ve closed my eyes to sleep, I’ve remembered her sage advice. And how she promised to be my Valentine if I’d be hers. That we laid my best friend, mom and mentor supreme to rest a few days later on, as you’ve probably guessed, Valentine’s Day. On this Mother’s Day in 2009, she is with me in spirit. In a short while, I’ve more plotting to do on a new romance novel project. While others are grilling and picnicking on this holiday, Mom and I will be in the den. Her unseen presence and inspiration will spur me to keep on working toward my publishing goals and living my romance-writing dreams. We’ll also take some time to celebrate the release of my latest erotica romance novel with Ellora’s Cave, TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN.



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Wishing you all many happy reading moments,

Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- EC Exotika
TORMENTED -- Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- EC Exotika
HELLE IN HEELS -- EC Exotika
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