by Bruce Brady
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day; a time when we all stop to
remember mom. But do I really honor her as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and
Ephesians 6:3? Sadly, I’ve often only honored her the way most of the world “honors”
their mothers, with material gifts and a quick phone call.
Today, God has placed a burden on my heart, for which I’m
thankful because I need to reflect on all she’s done for me. Yes there have been
those times when she acted selfishly, she’s human after all. But most of the
time she sacrificed her desires and her time for my sister, my brother and me. And
I don’t thank her enough. Even when I’m helping her, I get bogged down in the
task and forget to let my actions show how much I love and appreciate her. So, I’m
determined to change that.
Mom, I love you, more than I’ve ever expressed with words
and actions. I appreciate all you did and the sacrifices you made to raise me.
I’m sorry for those times when I dishonored you through my mistakes, and my half-hearted
compliance with your requests. I regret the many times I disappointed you, and treated
you with disrespect. Forgive me for all the times I’m sure I hurt you by acting
selfishly.
I love you, mom. I would not be here, writing this note and
pursuing a writing career if not for your encouragement and guidance. Left to
my own devices, I’d probably be dead. I know you did the best you knew how. It
wasn’t easy raising three children on your own, especially three very
independent children. I appreciate all the times you comforted me when my heart
was broken. I’m grateful for your efforts to ensure I had a happy and prosperous
life. I understand you did what you did because you wanted a better life for me.
I also admire how, as a young woman suffering the pain of a
broken marriage, you packed up a newborn baby and two very young children, moved
us 1500 miles to a place where you only knew your brother and his family, and
started a new life for us. Thankfully you instilled that same courage and
tenacity in me. I’m thankful you never made choices that put us in harm’s way. I
appreciate that you worked a second and sometimes third job to make sure we always
had food, a safe home and clothing. I’m grateful that you sacrificed to allow
us to pursue our educational and extracurricular interests. And I’m thankful
that you devoted yourself to spending as much time as you could with us.
Mom, you’re a wonderful woman. And though I can’t be there,
I want you to know that, in spirit, I’m with you this Mother’s Day weekend, admiring
the amazing woman you are. I hope you can feel my arms embracing you as I say. “I
love you, mom, more than words can express.”
