May 9th, 2009
Thank you, Mom
I remember when Miriam was born, and suddenly I was faced with the most difficult job of my life – being a mom. Through these last 12 years of motherhood, I have often reflected back to how my own mom handled situations, how she taught me values, and how she showed her love. So now I wanted to write some of my memories, not just as a journal to spur me on (and possibly encourage all of us!), but as a tribute to my mother on Mother’s Day.
A few weeks after I was born my father was shipped to Vietnam, and so my mother spent the first year of my life as a solo-mom of me (a newborn) and my brother (one year older than I am). I don’t know how wives-of-servicemen do it, but I have respect for my mother as I look back at the challenge of raising two small children while living under the constant fear of a husband’s death.
In the summers mom would make us weed the garden or mow the lawn. I remember, after working what I thought were long hours, Mom and I coming inside. She would pour us drinks and then suggest we play a game of Dutch Blitz during our break. Although I still didn’t like the work, it made it so much more bearable knowing that Mom would take the time to play with me. I still love that game!
Mom would also take time to read out loud to us. Of course, when we were young, it was short books, but fairly early on we were introduced to Lewis’ Narnia, Tolkien’s Middle Earth, and even Ingalls Wilder’s Midwest. Eventually we would take turns reading out loud while the others listened. I am sure this not only made me love reading, but it now carries over onto our children as Tim and I continue the tradition.
Mom also never missed a chance to show her support of our activities. When I was one of the “crowd” in the high school musical “Great Expectations,” she came to all of the performances. When I played my French Horn for the musical, “South Pacific,” again she sat through each showing. Through all of JV volleyball (where I primarily sat on the bench) and football and basketball cheerleading, she was at each game. I can almost guarantee that these were not her favorite activities. I mean, how many times can one stomach a high school version of “South Pacific” just to hear snatches of her daughter’s instrument? How exciting is JV volleyball, anyway? But I knew she would be there not because she loved the experience, but because she loved me. Thanks, Mom.
Most suppers at our house were not just a thrown-together affair or a frozen dinner (although every Thursday night at our home was “T.V. Dinner” night, not because we actually got to eat in front of the t.v., but because Mom would stick in the oven those little personal-size trays of a meat, vegetable, and dessert). Most meals consisted of Mom making a main dish, side dishes and even a dessert. We all sat down at the table together and ate as a family. I will admit, my meals look nothing like Mom’s!
My last memory I’ll share here is seeing my mother sitting in her blue swivel chair in the mornings with a Bible open on her lap. Obviously, I was only home on summer mornings, but because she was so faithful in the summer, I am sure she was also faithful during the school year. Her relationship with God also showed in her dedication to teach us the importance of church. Every Sunday, whether Dad was there or not (he worked many weekends), she would take us to church and Sunday School.
None of us will be exactly like our mothers. Some of us will make better choices, many of us will feel like we are not living up to the example set for us. But on this mother’s day, I want to say, “Thank you” to my mother. I pray my children will one day have such fond memories of our time together.