Being small

My mother is the master of taking up less space in the world than she deserves.  Growing up, I watched this powerful woman put herself down, defer to the men in her life and generally deny her own greatness.  I could tell she wanted to be bigger, to be more in charge of her own life, but she never spoke that out loud.  She has yet to show the joy that comes with claiming her space in the world.  She seems resigned to being the quietly suffering victim, denying the forgiveness for herself and others that would set her free.  I am very glad that she is my mother and very healthy.; it makes me sad that she is not happier.  She has inspired my work.