Things I learned from my mother



My mother is celebrating Mother's Day in heaven; even though she is gone from this earth, the things she taught me about life live on.

My mother has shown me through her own experiences that in a matter of hours, people who don't even know me can change my life.  I have learned through Mom's example that even when you think you can't give any more you can always muster of the strength you need to help someone else.  With Mom whenever a friend needed her, she was there.

Mom taught me to consider my choices wisely that decisions without thought can lead to heartache down the road, that anger incurs wrath, that kindness breeds love.  So always leave your loved ones with loving words-it may be the last time you see them.

I remember tough times and rough roads and Mom's teaching that you can go on even when you think you're at the end of your rope.  Mom said, "We are responsible for what we do-no matter how we feel."

Mom taught me that I'm a hero, that heroes are people who get things done. I have learned to expect the best from myself and from others.  I know that friendships don't just "grow"; they must be cultivated.  I have learned that mothers can also be friends and that no matter how good a friend is, sometimes they hurt you, but that's what forgiveness is for and that in forgiving others, you must also learn to forgive yourself.

As I've stood by and watched my parents age, I came to realize that the people you care most about in life are often take from you too soon.  Both of my parents are gone now, but I think about them every day as I remember the valuable lessons they taught me; I am thankful that they taught me not to take life for granted, and for helping me to always remember that the most important thing I can pass on to my children is love, laughter and Jesus.  I didn't want to grow up to be just like my mother, but I'm glad that I did!

Happy Mother's Day Moms!  And Happy Mother's Day to my mom in heaven! ♥
(This article first appeared in The Crossroads May 2000 and also appears in the book The Rowboat Revisited)


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