A day made just for mothers

 

"Serving and honoring mothers on this day is special and important. It was not until I was stationed overseas that I realized how much I missed my mom. How much she did for me. How much she supported and elevated me."

My mother had a love/hate relationship with Mother's Day. She would hate it when her birthday (early in May), would land on the same day as Mother's Day. Two of her favorite days becoming one. For mom, it was like having a birthday on December 25th. What she hated almost as much, was fishing opener. When it happened on Mother's Day. When I would sneak away on this hallowed day for fisherman and try to make it back before the sun set on Sunday, so I could wish my mom a happy Mother's Day. Let's just say she was not a fan of opener.

But most of the time, I was able to take my wife, our kids, my dad, and most importantly - my mom out for a Mother's Day brunch. That she dearly loved. My dad - always would put up kind of a tepid argument with me. "You really should not have to take out son. I can pay for my own. This is Mother's Day, and not my day." We had that same discussion every year - and every year he lost the argument. I would conclude it by saying, "This is your freebee dad, it is my pleasure to treat the family today. We will do something just for you next month on Father's Day".

When my mother was alive, Mother's Day gave me the chance to honor her and my wife on the same day. I never got tired of it. When my dad passed, it became even more important to me to honor my mom and to dote over her on that day. After my mother passed a few years later, my kids were old enough (and established enough) to take their mother out for that special day. I became what I always teased my own dad about - a freeloader on Mother's Day. The joy of being with my family on special days such as this, helped to mollify the hole in my heart from missing my folks.

Today my eldest daughter has made reservations late morning at a local venue which serves a Mother's Day brunch. I will be with my bride, my two kids and two grandies. I will be a wonderful day. Serving and honoring mothers on this day is special and important. It was not until I was stationed overseas that I realized how much I missed my mom. How much she did for me. How much she supported and elevated me. 

I was blessed my mom made it to almost 97. My wife and I were with her most every week in her final years. My mom was content and happy where she lived in her final days. She passed one evening, with an aide holding her hand.

I got the call that mom was leaving, but I got to the residence too late - too late for that final good-bye and I love you. They gave me some time with mom alone in her room. I held her hand and told her she had finished the race strong and done it well. And now - now she lives with Jesus, and I will see her again. Happy Mother's Day mom. I miss you, and I love you.