Webster's dictionary defines the word mother as a "female parent". Webster defines the word parent as "one who brings up and cares for another." It's interesting to see that someone who could be such an influence, who could mold a person into what they will be for the rest of their life could be described in only a couple of words which doesn't really explain the true meaning of a mother. My mother means more to me then words could ever explain. Watching her as a widow who had to raise two children alone has really made an impact on my life. Because she developed good listening skills, learned how to become independent, and make wise choices, I've learned how to listen better, be more independent, and make wise decisions throughout life, which is why I am who I am today.
When a person has to deal with the death of a loved one, especially a spouse, they tend to learn how to listen better. My father died when he was 35 years old because of alcohol abuse. My mother felt it was her fault because she couldn't help him control the urges and stop him from drinking. Once he passed away, she would say things like "It's all my fault" and "If only I would have been able to make him see what he was doing was wrong, he would still be here." She had to listen to friends, family and eventually her own conscience to realize that it wasn't her fault and that she would be able to get through this tough situation. .
Watching her deal with this has taught me to listen better to other people when they are giving me advice. I learned how to use the advice given to me in my life, so that my life is less stressful. If it wasn't for me learning how to listen better from my mother, I would have never been able to give advice and help people out with their problems. .
The way my mother had to live her life after my father passed away played an important role in my life because it made me want to be an independent person.