In Honor of my Mother

Mother's day was a week ago, but my mother's birthday is this month as well.

I have the best mother in the world. It took me many years to figure this out. As a teen, I never appreciated a lot about my mom. But as an adult, there are so many things that I can look on and see as really amazing.

My mother grew up in a family of five children. She did not have the easiest of lives. Her father was a farmer and due to a variety of circumstances, he lost his farm during the Depression. He became a tenant farmer. They lived and worked farms that they did not own for very little pay. Their homes were not the best. She told many stories about how they lived. They didn't take vacations and they had very little extras. Since her older sister died when she was 4yo, my mother became the only girl. She was a tough cookie growing up with three brothers and much responsibility. When her family decided that church was too far, mom walked there on her own. Mom worked and saved money to go to college. She became a teacher and taught for awhile. But then, she felt the Lord call her to the mission field. She spent a number of years teaching children in Tampa Florida. This time in her life shows clearly how she was open and willing to follow the Lord as He directed her life. Although she loved the mission work, God called her to Seminary. She went and that is where she met my father. She had vowed to never marry a minister, but within a year of meeting Dad, they were married and beginning a life of ministry far from her childhood home. Dad's ministry was not easy. Mom moved every 5 years which made it difficult for her to keep friends. She gave up her career to be at home with us. But all of my years growing up, if she had the room, there was a sewing room in the house. But that little sewing room was not just for making clothes. Many times when she went into this room, she was seeking the Lord and His guidance for her life. My brothers and I did not make mom's life any easier. But the Lord was her constant comfort and guide through those many years. My dear mother not only made clothes and delicious food for me, but also laid a foundation that still effects me today. My mother has an adventurous and daring spirit. It is fitting that her birth coincided with a major historical event. She is a human calculator (an ability that I did NOT inherit) and is frugal although she suspects I am a bit more frugal than she. She loves to shop, but I think I am more like my father in that realm. ;) She loves to have fun and has a humorous bent. At her side, I learned not only to read at the tender age of 4, but also to love great literature. My parents were never rich in earthly goods, but always possessed a wealth in their spirits and souls that was a far greater reward and they have always endeavored to impart that to my brothers and I. I have watched my parents through the years endure hardship and trials. I have seen my mother's unwavering faith. When trials keep her awake, she is most likely crying out to the Lord in the wee hours of the night. I know that I have caused my dear mother countless hours of worry and concern, but I know that through it all she was praying for my soul. My mother has truly invested her time in things that brought more than a paycheck into our home. What she brought to my life is really priceless. She sacrificed so much and is responsible for who I am today. I know that she has done even more than I am aware of. I am so grateful for her love and care for me.

Happy Birthday mom!!! Thank you so much for all you have done. You are the best!!! Love You!!