9. What personality traits do you admire most in your daughter?
I admire that she is soft-spoken, determined, and has a good head on her shoulders. She’s not easily influenced. She avoids trouble and doesn’t like conflict.
10 QUESTIONS ON MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS with Shauna Brown
Introduction:
I met Shauna after moving to the Tompkins projects in 1983! What I remember most was that she was a leader, a protector, she had a strong and sincere personality, and she was funny as hell!
Shauna Brown, Mother of five, gives her views on mothers and daughters.
1. What is your first memory of your mother?
My first memory is when I was six or seven years old. I had chickenpox. It was so bad that I had it in my mouth. I couldn’t eat so I had to drink a bottle. I drank milk with strawberry syrup in it. I was the happiest kid in the world.
2. What was your relationship like?
My mother was tough but lovable. She didn’t mind disciplining us only to love on us later. I didn’t understand it back then, but having kids of my own, I get it now.
3. How do you think your mother would want to be remembered?
As a strong-willed mother, who taught life lessons that would benefit us in the long run.
4. What traditions have been passed down in your family that you learned from your mother?
Cooking, taking care of my home, and putting my kids first.
5. How are you different now than you were before you lost your mother?
I’m vulnerable now and where I was a tough cookie, I get overwhelmed when things are not okay between my kids and me.
6. Do you have any traditions to honor your mother?
I cook her favorite meals on her birthday and holidays. My siblings and I usually text reciting some of the things she used to say.
7. What is one of your best memories of becoming a mother? Worst?
The best memory is being the first love of my kids. I love being a mother and having someone to look up to you is the best feeling in the world.
Worst?
Losing my firstborn son. Not being able to protect him haunts me to this day.
8. How would you describe your relationship with your daughter?
My relationship with my daughter is amazing, but sometimes a rollercoaster. She knows that I love her and will always do what’s best for her even if it’s not always what she wants, she does understand.
10. What’s one thing you made sure your daughter knows in preparation for womanhood and sisterhood?
I always tell her that school comes first and boys last. I continue to teach her how to maintain her body and cook, and I’m in the process of teaching her financial stability. She knows I won’t always be here and to always love her family but to know family is not always blood. I tell her to be the girl that someone can always rely on but never allow anyone to use her or compromise her integrity. True love and friendship are hard to come by.