Mother Memories

Live them, remember them

In a couple of months, it will be 30 years since my mother died. Beautiful memories linger.

Mom's gravestone states "a tender mother and a faithful friend." She earned that through a life of loving, supporting listening, respecting and understanding...her kids. I won't dwell on the hardships she endured as a young woman of the Great Depression era, but I will say that she was a natural mom. Just as great athletes are naturals, who work hard at fulfilling with all their hearts and souls the very calling of the game. Mom truly put her heart and soul into being mother/teacher/friend/confidante.

That is, I believe, what makes anyone great at their calling. The unselfish giving of all at all times to do what needs to be done. Mom did that. And I believe it rubbed off. Where did I learn about listening, teaching and loving the way I do? And how much are my sons influenced by my mother's wisdom and ways with me as the conduit? Mom, mom and immeasurable, respectively. And so it is that the people you touch and love are also influenced by the ways your mother (or mother figure) affected you. That is why the second Sunday in May is so important: mothers touch lives and generations.

Mother's Day should always mean a lot because she does. Let her know today. Appreciate the memories being made. Remember her fondly if she is gone.