Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign that I am participating in with Brawny. All opinions are my own and do not reflect those of the brand.
When asked who I draw inspiration for toughness from, I immediately think of my Mom. My Mom taught me some of my most valued life lessons, such as… “Set your own limits, do not allow others to set them for you,” and “People will remember what you say because they will remember how you look, make the impression worthwhile.” My Mom taught me to be tough, because she is tough. If being tough is being capable of great endurance, my Mom is one of the toughest women on the face of the planet.
My Mom has endured a lot. She was raised the eldest of five living children, and had another four siblings that died in infancy or as toddlers. At one point in her childhood, her family lost everything in a flood. On more than one occasion, she took the beating that was meant for one of her brothers. At one point, she actually burned Grandpa’s razor strap and buried the buckle, so he couldn’t use it to whip them with again. She helped raise her siblings. Her brother Jerry died as a result of burns sustained in a car accident. Her brother Charles committed suicide. Her Mom died at the age of 42, when my Mom was in her early twenties. Her Dad died at the age of 56, when Mom was just forty.
She went from helping to raise her siblings to raising her own children and being married to an alcoholic (yes, my Dad is a recovered alcoholic now, but he wasn’t recovered then). I remember Mom breaking her knee when I was a kid. Her kneecap was shattered into multiple pieces, and the surgeon literally wired the pieces back together, giving her a humpty dumpty knee. Anyway, the surgeon told Mom that she’d limp for the rest of her life. Mom said she had six kids and didn’t have time for that. So, after the swelling went down, she’d slide her cast off her leg and exercise her knee in the bathtub. She didn’t limp, that’s for sure.
She had her first heart attack at age 45, a stroke at 48, and another heart attack at 63.
And yet, she does this often…
and she does this, too…
I could go on and on. My Mom has endured much. And yet, she somehow manages to find the joy in living. More than once I’ve heard Mom say, “Life is messy, but it’s worth living!”
When I think of the things I’ve faced, in comparison to the things she’s faced, and I see the smile that she greets life with, I am humbled and inspired. My Mom inspires me to be tough because she is tough. The taught me to be tough by example, not just with her words.
Brawny® Paper Towels and Wipes have always stood for good old-fashioned toughness. And that’s why Brawny® wants to share the inspiring stories to those everyday heroes out there – the folks who truly define what tough is. Want to know what it means to be tough to the core? Check out the inspiration video series featuring Everyday Heroes from Brawny®.
Connect with @Brawny on Twitter and Brawny® on Facebook and BrawnyBrand on Instagram and tell us how you’re Tough to the Core.
Who inspires you to be tough?
Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign that I am participating in with Brawny. All opinions are my own and do not reflect those of the brand.
Your mom sounds like an amazing woman. She is tough indeed.
I can’t imagine the strength she must have! The fact that she maintains that beautiful smile despite the hardships is remarkable. Hug her for me!
She sounds like a truly amazing and inspirational woman! You are very lucky to have a mother like her.
What a wonderful mom you have. Tough and durable. My mom is like that.
Your mom is incredible! What strength and spirit! You are both so lucky!
Your mom sounds like a tough and amazing woman!
Your mom looks so nice. She just has this friendly vibe, even through a picture. I think it’s important to be able to smile and laugh no matter what’s in front of you. Just like her!
Your mom is one tough lady! I think my own has went through more troubles than a woman should, and she is tough enough to find happiness after all of it.
Your mom sounds like a seriously strong and inspiring woman. I would love to have more people like her in my life.
What an incredibly strong woman. She truly is inspiring.
Love it! What a tough lady! 🙂
Your mom surely has endured a lot, and I admire her for still showing that beautiful smile! She is a tough lady indeed!
What a great story about your wonderful mom. She sure is a strong and inspirational woman.
Our moms would get along great they have a lot in common! My mom has battled cancer twice, buried her mother, grandmother and husband within three months of one another in the same year, had an accident at work that kept her in the hospital for one full year where she was also told no matter how much physical rehabilitation they gave her she would never walk again, and like your mom she said the same thing, I have no time for that! My mom is a tough bird too, and she is big on smiling and laughing as well! 🙂
Your mom sounds like such an amazing woman with such poignant words. Life is indeed messy.
What a beautiful and strong woman your mom is! My mom has endured a lot, too… I sometimes wonder how she did it, because I’m not so sure I could survive the things she did. I know I’m blessed as you are, too. It’s obvious you are so very proud of your mom! Life is indeed, messy. Hopefully like our mothers, we make the best of it. 🙂
Your mom sounds like an amazing woman. I have always been told that many of us have to endure some terrible times in life. How we handle them is totally up to us and it will shape us into the person we are today. My mom is strong and she’s never one to complain. She’s lost everything. Gained nothing. And even though she struggles through life, she’s determined to not give up without a fight.
Your mom sounds wonderful. What an inspiration!
Your Mom is strong indeed. This was so touching to read. I can tell that you love her a lot and are very proud of her.
Wow! Your mother sounds like she has been through quite a lot of medical problems. Yes, I agree she is tough to come out on top of all that with a smile! Kudos to your mom!
Your mom sounds like an amazing woman. I’m sure the apple doesn’t all far from the tree!
What a wonderful example of living life happy she seems to be! So wonderful for you and your family to be around… I love happy!
What an amazing story. Glad Brawny was supporting it too!
that’s an awesome story. You have a great role model there
Such a wonderful person your mom sounds like! It is nice to have such a great role model to look up to!
This is a great post. Your mom sounds like an amazing woman just like you are.
Your mom is incredible. What a tough lady and a great story.
I have a tough mom too. They are great!
Wow you Mom is tough indeed! Such an inspiring woman!
She sounds like an amazing women. What an inspiration.
What a infectious smile. Smiling through challenges definitely strengthens you
Your mom seems like a wonderful woman, mom, and friend. You’re lucky!
She does sound like a strong woman. She must inspire you.
Your mom has a beautiful smile. She is a tough lady. I hope to read the post about the DNA test to see if cousins are actually sisters and brothers.
Your mom sounds like a great woman. Love her smile!
she sounds like a wonderful woman. thank you for sharing about her.
These are great pictures of your mom!. A lovely tribute.
Your mom sounds like a tough cookie! It sounds like you are as well!
I love your mother’s smile. Her eyes just twinkle with wisdom.
What’s that quote “strong women may we know them, maybe we raise them” this is a great example. Wonderful story, thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful story, I do agree being tough is a great endurance. Strength can come in physical capabilities and emotional ways. I love this post, thank you for writing it!