Mother

No one is closer to home than one’s mother. They say home is where the heart is and yes, that’s true. From when I was young on through adulthood, this earthly heaven has been a better place because of my mother. There are bad mothers out there, as well as bad sons and daughters, but for me, I love my mother.

Disagreements and discipline notwithstanding, the institution of motherhood is a most revered and sacred trust. We can always return to our mothers to replenish love, strengthen resolve, and rejuvenate the principles that guide us. They are with us all the time, even when we try to hide from them. They love us unconditionally, correct us incessantly, and all with the patience of Job, and help us to keep our eyes and ears open and our feet pointed forward.

On this most revered of days, I am thankful my mother is still around. Many, many mothers have gone on to their next station. While we celebrate this day, it is a most bittersweet occasion for their children left behind. Yet, as everyone knows, mothers don’t necessarily need a physical presence to connect with their offspring.

When I was younger, mine had eyes in the back of her head. She seemed to always know when I was getting into things I shouldn’t. In those troubled times between youth and adulthood when I first left home, mother was never far from my thoughts. She would appear as a vision to help with whatever delicate operation was needed. Like a loving, spiritual force, she admonishes me from afar, imparts compassion to my soul, and sheds light on my most darkest thoughts. She guides me and helps me to mature and reach adulthood, despite my attempts to the contrary.

As I’ve grown older, that revered status of motherhood has only become more meaningful and necessary in my life. I’ve watched my own wife perform miracles in raising our own children. I am also amazed at all the mothers I’ve witnessed who achieve their own set of miracles. Closer to home I am constantly taken aback by the courage, strength, and resolve my own mother carries with her.

Mothers save us if we remember, destroy us if we forget, and give us hope and peace to carry on. Regardless of our actions, they are always within our grasp. Their love will grow here on earth and, if we can hold on, travel with us to the hereafter.

Thanks Mom. Happy Mother’s Day.