Inspired, Long After the Exchange
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 11:57PM 
My friend William's daughters sharing their birthday photo albums with me in their home in Konombe, Rwanda. Photo by Jen Lemen.
She listened. Always, so intensely. I'd start these lengthy conversations about big ideas and small discoveries moving through my mind. I'd pour over the details of an experience, yielding at complex intersections to dip beneath the surface in an effort to dissect, connect, and process thoughts. To make sense of things. And my mother would sit there comfortably across the kitchen table from me, tilting her head and following my words wherever they lead us in this deconstruction process. Focused. In lock step. She listened to me think as if there was nothing more worthy of her attention. And when I'd pause, she'd ask the most significant question. Or voice an observation that redefined the equation, clearing the way for a new solution to emerge. And I'd think about that question or that observation in the quiet and give it space to inspire me – long after the exchange.
rwanda in Giving Thanks, People, Self
Reader Comments (5)
I can sense your mother's inspiring love because what you describe as fully being present is how I experience her daughter. We met a few precious moments at the Swan House restaurant where your friends and family celebrated your life and the yet unborn one forming a gorgeous bulge in that little black dress.
Be a blessing. (Genesis 12:2)
And so your mother is.
i hope i can be this type of mother.
oh how I miss mine
Dani, me too.
Take my breath away - that Jen Lemen can capture the moment. ... and your words take me back to many childhood moments with my mother, especially when she took me to her art classes after my older sisters left for school. She taught me so many good things, so much wisdom and kindness.
(I read the first comment above - congratulations!)