How many of you who read these words realize you owe your very existence to either a living or once living heroine? A person who chose to consider your wants and needs above her own as she carried you close to her heart before and after your arrival? Some of these heroines were knowledgeable of Christ’s words who once said that one of the greatest human sacrifices a person does is to lay down their life for another. Is this not a magnificent statement? Even a troubled mother chose to give you up for adoption or allowed someone else to rear you. You may despise or hate this mother but consider her alternatives.
My heroine mothered, cherished, loved and mentored seventeen of us to adulthood. She patched our pants and trousers, prepared home cooked meals and taught us dozens of skills that prepared us to take our places in a not-so-kind world. She was so bold as to give up her entire youth to work on her sore knees and back so that we could continue our formal educations in parochial school. For my heroine really knew and continues to know best! She was there when yours truly considered dropping out of school. In less than ten minutes she presented the best argument I ever heard for staying in school.
My heroine rarely missed church or school activities we youngsters participated in. She taught us to respect ourselves and others. “Ma’am” and “sir” were expected. “Yeh” and “nah” were unacceptable. Though pressured daily, she had an unforgettable sense of humor. One of the most memorable events occurred when my younger brother, Robert, thought our heroine’s stocking cap was worn and unattractive. Much to our surprise, while driving, she tossed the cap. Though I never heard her complain about her circumstance, I sensed there were dozens of things she would have rather accomplished in her life.
My heroine was/is, as indicated, silent about her sacrifices. She knew, understood and accepted God’s command to mothers (and fathers, too!) to take complete responsibility for the lives of those entrusted her. We assume and say the young are the future and are to be reared under God’s command. But do we truly elevate parental responsibilities above those of our own? My heroine did!
Although “Mother’s Day” has passed to most, my heroine receives my love, respect and honor throughout the whole of May and all the days of my life that God chooses to afford me. For it is this heroine and, indeed all mothers, who sacrifice, love unconditionally and give up their lives by molding generations of daughters and sons deserve nothing less and everything more.
I don’t know about you but my belief is that our heroines are owed that special day and to be told that we would be NOTHING without their love, wisdom and sound judgment. THANK YOU GOD! THANKS MOM!
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