DAUGHTERS

I recently read a beautiful article in one of the many magazines I have lying around the house. Apparently, it was based on a contest where mothers and daughters who looked alike were invited to send in their pictures and tell a little story about themselves.

It was most amazing: I could not believe what I was seeing! These women were absolute doubles of one another in most cases. If I had met any of them on a street, I would have sworn I was looking at a pair of twins. Even the age differences weren't remarkable; I would not have been able to tell who was Mom and who was Daughter.

I have two daughters and they look nothing like me! Oh, some people comment that they have my smile, but that's about it. They definitely resemble their father's side of the family: dark hair, olive-toned skin, sturdy hands and feet. I, on the other hand, exhibit my Scandinavian heritage with my light skin, blond hair, and smaller hands and feet.

However, what we do share is a deadly sense of humour! The men in our lives are in deep trouble when the three of us are together and most of the time, these poor males just look at us as if we have lost our collective minds. We also share a sense of purpose that is no match for any man. Once we set our minds on something, we focus on that goal until it is reached. My eldest daughter gave up a low-paying job and spent three years in school, retraining herself. I did the same thing way back when my girls and their brother were still in school. My youngest daughter has worked at several occupations, but she was staunch in all she did and gave every employer the best she had to give. I do the same thing: I am scheduled to work this month at three different places because no one else is willing to work at these places during the summer, but I will go and I will do my best.

My youngest daughter writes and she works every day on her stories. My eldest daughter also aspires to be a writer - both giving everything they have to give to the written word, just like their mother does.

We are all loyal and devoted to our families. We make sure there is a meal on the table every night and we have ample groceries in the cupboard so that we can make these meals. We have lists of chores that we complete on a regular basis so our homes are respectable and the laundry is done. And we also try to make time for fun and play and always look forward to visits to one another. We're due for one - we get together and write and share ideas. And we'll go for lunch and we might even do a little shopping.

So, I guess it doesn't matter whether you look like your mother or not. What matters is the similarities you and your daughter (s) share in other areas. I am proud of my daughters and when I look at them, I cannot describe the love that fills my heart. I don't care who they look like!