I watch my mother, retired and living alone, take the time to call me almost daily since the loss of my wife. She also takes the time to be with her own mother (another amazing woman) who still lives alone at the age of 86. My grandmother, herself, is a two-time breast cancer survivor that has taught all of us life lessons with her unstoppable spirit and determination. She continues to cook for us when we are home, and makes sure we are all 'properly taken care of'. Neither of these ladies ever takes the time to stop, consider what they do for everyone else, and ask, "When is it my turn?" They simply continue to do. My mother has been doing it since we were born. I watched, and learned from, her determination to make sure we had everything we needed, many things we wanted, and the life lessons and discipline to become proper adults. She would discipline as needed...and love unconditionally. Honestly, she helped us become the people we are today which, I believe, is a true measure of her success.
It doesn't stop there, though. I watch many of you women do the same every day. Single mothers who have to work multiple jobs to provide a home for their children, while making sure they have everything they need in the form of love, discipline, and kindness - those very life lessons I mentioned earlier. I watch the mother of a special-needs child who never asks why this happened to her but, rather, speaks of how precious their child is. Those children, to you amazing mothers, are truly special, and the love you show them helps change ideas and attitudes the world over. I've seen people use words on social media that will turn a calm, cool, collected mother into a raging Wonder Woman that will protect their child at ALL costs - as it should be. While we still consider the notion that a father is the 'Protector' of the household and family, there are many that might challenge that with a mere observation. Behind many a protecting father, I think, is a mother waiting to tear people apart lest they mess with their family unit. I like it - you wear it well, ladies. Very well.
I have a 17-year old daughter that many have heard me speak of, especially recently. She has become an amazing woman and support for me. She shows love, caring, kindness, and empathy toward others. These are remarkable traits and I am extremely proud of her. When I do mention her, many friends have said, "She learns what she's taught. You did well." While I'd like to take some credit for that, I truly feel I am entitled to only a small part of said credit. She lives 700 miles away and, though we did the 'every other weekend' thing often in the first few years, she grew up and got a social life of her own. We are close, true, however we don't see each other anywhere nearly as often as I'd like. My point being, the 'credit' for her upbringing falls much to her mother, my ex-wife. I'm honest enough with myself (and all of you) to say her mother did much of the 'heavy lifting' when it came to Britt. She has provided her with good morals, good habits. discipline, and a life that she loves. Her mother has done an amazing job and I wish her a Happy Mother's Day, too...as well as my eternal thanks and gratitude.
You cook, clean, do our laundry, bandage the cuts and kiss the bruises. You provide comfort when it's needed, as well as the dreaded 'kick in the pants', too, when we are being fools and aren't motivated. You are the security we need in an insecure, unsure world. I have to say, too, that there are many single fathers that deserve recognition today. I cannot imagine it, yet you do it without question or hesitation. I know why. It's the same reason I would drive 700 miles to spend 1 1/2 days with my daughter. They're your kids. It's as simple and pure as that.
As I mentioned earlier, when my wife passed away a few weeks ago, the first person to arrive was my mother. We had a day before anyone else arrived and it afforded me the opportunity to tell her, one-on-one, what I had wanted to share for so long. I wanted to thank her, personally, for raising us to be the people we've become and to let her know that the sacrifices she made, both of her time and freedom, were not without appreciation. Today might be a good day for everyone to really do that. I can attest to the fact that your mother might not be here next year. I'm a big proponent of saying things NOW - as I tell my daughter often, I want you to be able to say, "I'm glad I did, rather than I wish I had." Take the time today. Tell mom how awesome and amazing she is. Honestly, I may have never met your mother...but I know she is.
I love you, Mom.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY - to all you wonderful moms.
Until next time..............
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