Today is Mother’s Day-
a special day to remember and honor and support our mothers.
It’s a day for appreciating the many things that they taught us.
It’s a time for reflecting on all the work they did for us (and because of us?).
It is also a chance for sharing the love we feel for them.
For some of us, it is a day to really, really miss them.
(It’s been twenty-eight years since my sweet mother passed away and I still miss her so much! My wonderful mother-in-law has been gone for four years.)
What a void they leave in our lives!
I not only have a mother, but I am a mother, too.
I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for my wonderful children, their spouses, and our grandchildren.
WHAT A BLESSING MOTHERHOOD IS TO ALL OF US!
My mother was the best! She did it all. She was loving and kind. She cooked delicious food and kept our house cozy and clean. She washed our clothes, shined our shoes, and curled our hair. She saw to it that we took piano lessons and learned to cook and sew. She sacrificed for our educations. She was fun and played with us. Do I feel lucky? Yes, I’m very blessed.
My mother-in-law was an amazing woman, too! She was strong and independent during a time when women didn’t have the voice they do today. She led her family by example. She was also kind and loving. Her home was a safe place for her children, one that often was moved to different parts of the country because of her husband’s work. “Home” went with them, always providing the security they were used to. I feel blessed once again!
Today I was reminded that not all people are as fortunate when it comes to their mothers. A young man at our church shared his story of having a mother addicted to cocaine when he was born. He was later abused by a step-mother for many years. His first experience of knowing a loving mother was as an adult meeting his future mother-in-law. He wasn’t bitter, but took comfort in the knowledge that his own wife was a loving mother to their children.
So, as I wander around the house today, missing both our moms like crazy, and wishing we could spend the day together catching up on all the news , I take great comfort in the knowledge that we were truly blessed by our angel mothers!
Happy Mother’s Day!
JoAnn
P.S. Missing Aunt Mardene, too. A mother isn’t just the person who brings you into this world.
