Proverbs 31:31 “31Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Mother’s Day is Sunday. As I reflect upon all the things my mom has done for my siblings, my kids, my nephews and myself, I also look back at all the amazing women who have come in and out of my life. I contemplate how they influenced my own role as mother, wife, daughter and friend. There are so many influencing women; sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, football/basketball/baseball/softball/lacrosse/classroom moms and friends moms’ have taught me what to do and in a few instances what not to do in my journey as a mom, wife, sister, daughter and person.
I never knew either of my grandmothers, but I was blessed to have eight wonderful aunts in my life to fill that void. My aunts babysat me, told many stories about my parents, grandparents and extended family. Many of those stories were about the good, the bad and especially the mischievous! Two of my aunts were especially influential, my Auntie Millie and Auntie Lena. Auntie Millie was a spitfire with a smile and hug for everyone. She loved to garden, fish, craft and was very active in her church and V.F.W. She was very involved in my life from the time I was born until her passing in 2011. Auntie Lena, I did not get to see as much as she lived in North Dakota. She was a storyteller, card player, crafter, avid walker and a bit of a comedian. At the age of 90, she would get down on the floor to play go fish around the coffee table with my children, albeit we had to help her off the floor when they were done. The influence that these women had on my life was immeasurable.
My mom started her life on a farm in North Dakota just as the Great Depression was beginning. She has witnessed and done many things in her 92 years. She became a nurse during WWII and worked as a nurse until her retirement in 1988. She raised 6 children, the first 5 were all with in 8 years of each other, and then me, who came along in her early 40’s. Mom has always been a caregiver, whether it was her husband, her kids, her parents, her friends & family, everyone is looked after. She loves to look after babies. We call her the baby whisperer, as she can calm the fussiest baby with a rocking chair and cuddly blanket. She loves to sew, garden, feed the wild birds and recently discovered Pinterest. As the matriarch of our family, she holds us all together.
I hope that my own children understand that I am far from perfect, but I have done the best that I could in raising them. And as they spread their wings in this difficult world, they know that they will always have a safe place to land.
I also reflect, this Mother’s Day, on how difficult it must have been for Mary to raise Jesus. She knew; he was the Son of God, King Herod was looking for him, they were very poor, and times were turbulent. Mary was a humble woman. A woman who knew the scriptures and the word of God. She guided, cared, and nurtured Jesus the best she could. Luke 2:51-52 “51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
On this Mother’s Day, I want to send all of you virtual hugs, blessings and love. For all those amazing mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and friends, THANK YOU from everyone you have influenced in this world.
