Honoring each other gave me permission to absorb qualities from both of you. Since so much of me comes from qualities I found in both of you, honoring each other helps bring about harmony in me. Perhaps simply honoring each other is the greatest parental gift, and I thank you both for that. Finally, I'd like to say that I deeply value my mother's faith and her commitment to her spiritual path. Her commitment was more than just belief.
Belief is easy.
But practicing spiritual discipline that leads to growth and change is very hard. She understood that, and never wavered from her commitment. I also particularly value her willingness to recognize and acknowledge my life of practice. I've told people over the years that as a child I was recognized as a spiritual being. This too, I've come to realize, is rare.