This week was Mother’s Day; most of us spent time honoring the special ladies in our lives. And while this blog is mostly about Dad, I want to take the time to honor a very special lady in my life.
Why is it that hindsight is always clearer? Now that I am a mother myself, I can begin to understand some of what Mom sacrificed for me.
"Mother's Are.." by Floyd Wood
Blowers of noses and washers of ears,
Smoothers of bumped spots and wipers of tears,
Bathers of babies and umpires of spats,
Finders of boots and mittens and hats,
Helpers with lessons and makers of beds,
Shakers of dust cloths and combers of heads,
Button-sew-oners and winders of clocks
Menders of dresses and darmers of socks.
Tellers of stories and readers of books,
Judges and juries of conduct and looks,
Doctors of heartaches and hearers of prayers,
Generals directing all family affairs,
Tenders of home fires and builders of men,
(Oh, for the gift of an adequate pen!)
Mom has been one of the most patient individuals I have ever known. When I think of the fruit of the Spirit, her life exemplifies those verses of Scripture in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Even though she is out of the season of “active’ mothering, with children in the home, she now fulfills her role in parenting as confidant, advisor and friend. (As well as this stage in her life of grandparenting with joy!) And now as she is an on-looker to Dad’s dreadful illness, I am amazed at her fortitude. Watching her beloved sweetheart of over 55 years slip quietly away must be so agonizingly painful. God has given her the grace and strength she needs for each day.
“THANK YOU,” seems so inadequate to express how much I appreciate all that Mom has been to me and all that she continues to do for me. I found some words (I guess it’s considered a poem) several years back. I wish that I could claim authorship (it’s written by Sheryl Hoffman), but its sentiment echoes what is in my heart.
Mother,
You’re such an important part
of my life.
Sometimes I take for granted
that you know how I feel…
but on Mother’s Day,
I want to tell you
how much I appreciate you.
You’ve always been
understanding
and patient with me.
You’ve helped me to see
that by trying hard
I was doing my best.
But most of all,
I’ve always known
I could depend on your love
and support…no matter what.
And that has given me
a special kind of confidence…
something that
can’t be measured in ordinary terms.
If I could give you
anything in return
for all you’ve given me,
it would have to be
the love I hold
in my heart always
for you.
I LOVE YOU, MOM!
(One of Mom's favorites: Lily of the valley)
