Thank you for all of your comments and input today. I really appreciate it. Whatever I do next, I will continue to do what I do here. I have an unbounded passion for my life, for this website, and for you as my readers. Many times people ask how I came to do what I am doing, and the ground core of it is passion. I came to what I am doing now, and where I am now, through a search for passion.
Recently, my son Weston wrote an essay for the National Merit Scholarship. In part, he wrote, “Life is too short to be spent doing nothing; at the least, it should be enjoyed with fire and fervor. I don’t want to live a life unfulfilled. I want to do something I love, and I want to do it well enough that when I’m gone, I’ve left some mark, some indication that I’ve passed.”
The rest of the essay, which was fabulous, is too personal to post and refers to other people, etc. He remarks that his ideal of passion comes from his mother. And he also has some criticism of me for it along with the praise, so don’t be swayed that I’m a perfect mother. He was a little bit leery of showing it to me, but I loved it, criticism and all. It was, for one thing, very well written, and I’m a sucker for good writing. Aside from that, it was powerful and real and true. He nailed me well in all my passionate imperfection.
He had to turn the essay in to the high school principal to send on to the National Merit Scholarship board. One night at one of Morgan’s volleyball games, the principal came up to me and said, “I read Weston’s essay. It was incredible.” And I felt as if I needed to apologize six ways to Sunday for being such a terrible mother because along with admiring my passion, Weston noted that I was somewhat obsessive.
This is true.
But I will forever be grateful that I have given him an appreciation for passion and for living life full throttle. That is no small thing–it is the thing that I try, every day, to pass on to my children and to you.
I’ll be okay with that epitaph.
texwisgirl says:
I can feel your pride from here! God bless moms like you!!!
On October 16, 2010 at 7:29 pm
BuckeyeGirl says:
Having a hard time typing here, I’m all puddled up with tears. :snuggle:
On October 16, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Karen says:
How inspiring, and how proud you must be!!!
On October 16, 2010 at 7:36 pm
wvhomecanner says:
We all need a passion in our lives. YOU share yours with many and give voice to those who don’t have that gift of a way to share. More amazing, you have a TEENager who sees it, both the good and the imperfect, but none of us are perfect for sure.
And bless your heart Weston – most ‘kids’ have to be well into their 20’s to begin see/admit anything great in their parents! :heart:
dede
On October 16, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Canner Joann says:
What wonderful insight to have at the age of 17. Congratulations on raising kids that are smart, funny, insightful and brave.
On October 16, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Joy says:
Your words are always so well spoken. Real feelings that make me glad that there are good people like you living their dreams, and sharing them with us. Thank you.
On October 16, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Todd Whitley says:
I am so touched and proud of you, Suzanne!
(and that’s awesome he’s such a great writer!)
On October 16, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Jo says:
Suzanne, I can sense the pride in your post too. :sun:
“WHEN” you write your book/books…..and WHEN you go on a book tour to meet your fans, PLEASE!!!! come to Iowa (or atleast within driving distance)!!!!!!!!!! :snoopy: :happyfeet: :hissyfit:
On October 16, 2010 at 9:10 pm
quietstorm says:
“passionate imperfection” would be a good title… :sun:
On October 16, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Sue, a Florida Farm Girl says:
Your blog subtitle “Life in Ordinary Splendor” captures the essence of what your life is all about. Thus a ready made title for you. Your all encompassing pursuit of your passion through an ordinary life is the single trait that inspires all of us, your readers. I think you have it in you, my girl. Good luck and I’ll be looking forward to your choices.
On October 16, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Melissa Marsh says:
You are an amazing mother and an amazing woman, Suzanne!!!
On October 16, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Rah says:
It says a lot about your relationship that Weston DID share the essay with you. Your passion shines through every day, and may I just take this opportunity to thank you for posting on weekends? You make my day, often!
On October 16, 2010 at 10:43 pm
mlk says:
What a special woman you are, Suzanne.
On October 16, 2010 at 11:19 pm
ellen kelley says:
I am not sure that I have ever left a comment. I am not sure how, or where I found you. I do visit here and enjoy what you write and am in awe of what you do. I have to say that as the mother of two grown boys, this post truly touched me. “It is no small thing”..forever and ever to pass on love and passion to our children.
Thank you for reminding me of this, ellen k.
On October 16, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Julie says:
You inspire!
On October 17, 2010 at 1:25 am
Rose H says:
As all parents know our children are sometimes more than a little reticent to even acknowledge we exist – let alone share a true compliment with someone outside the family. I’m sure that you are VERY proud of all your children Suzanne, and rightly so – but the important thing is that they are proud of you too….can life be better?
:happyflower:
On October 17, 2010 at 6:24 am
Peggy says:
Passion is something many people lack. Many people go to work just so they can complain all week about how much they can not wait until the weekend. Passion is a lost quality we need to reinvent so people can enjoy life to the fullest with out regrets. That is one of your qualities that comes acrossed to me in your blog. I know you do things the best you can and when something gets the best of you, the calf halter, you look for help. Keep up the good work.
On October 17, 2010 at 8:05 am
LindDis says:
Quite frankly, I’m passionate about logging in each day to learn more about your life on the farm. I especially love the stories about the animals and nature itself. You’re an excellent writer and your love for what you do shines through each post. When I am away from a computer, I always go back to read the posts that I have missed. Thanks for doing what you do. And yes, I would buy a book!!
Linda
On October 17, 2010 at 8:07 am
Liz in Wis says:
I must find my passion! If I have one, I don’t know what it is; I’m 51 years old: what’s up with that?
On October 17, 2010 at 8:58 am
Zusiqu says:
Oh wow, Suzanne. Reading that left me speechless.
On October 17, 2010 at 9:30 am
Tina says:
You must be swelling with pride, Suzanne. Congratulations on raising a great kid!
On October 17, 2010 at 10:28 am
lavenderblue says:
All I can say is “AAAwww”! :heart: :heart: :heart: You have raised some really wonderful kids and you did it living life your way. Isn’t that great!
On October 17, 2010 at 10:44 am
Mary says:
Just found this story..missed it yesterday. How wonderful. We love hearing these things.
On October 17, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Cousin Sheryl says:
It is one of the joys of motherhood when something positive that we have tried to instill in our children comes out at the least expected moment.
Thanks to all of you for the nice comments. I love Suzanne as cousin and “sister of my heart” but your comments show me how she touches other lives. I am lucky that I get to share some of her “roller coaster ride” journey into farming and all the things she has done and will continue to do.
:heart:
On October 17, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Luann says:
Because of your son’s upbringing, by you Suzanne, he is far ahead of most of his peers. Knowing to live for what gives him passion and life is too short… is a concept I just “got” 2 years ago. You inspire not only your children but all of us. No one is perfect, it is the imperfections that help us reach higher,learn more and continue to grow! Thank you!
On October 17, 2010 at 5:07 pm
JOJO says:
:woof:
Amen.
On October 17, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Ramona says:
We must have passions to keep us fired up and motivated. Weston’s essay shoulds like he got his great writing skills from his mom.
On October 18, 2010 at 11:24 am
drumwife06 says:
I appreciate YOUR passion..don’t ever stop. Because I will have to find a new addiciton, which is currently your website.
On October 18, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Dee says:
NOthing wrong with obsessive passion…..
On November 4, 2010 at 7:57 pm
lyzcollins says:
My son told me much the same thing before he left for Navy boot camp. He told me that my example of getting up everyday and doing what needed to be done was important to him. I cry and smile every time I think of this.
On December 12, 2010 at 7:31 am