Mother, a word loaded with emotion. Good emotion, bad emotion, sad and happy, and angry and forgiving, and everything in between.  My mother died when I was 23 months old.  I have no memory of her and so I have relied on my siblings, pictures, and her diary to fill the gap.  She was a wonderful Christian woman and I look forward to getting to know her in heaven!  My sister raised me. Her example of motherhood was less than perfect and sometimes I have thought the most important lessons I got from her were what NOT to do.  She loved me but was fighting some strong demons of her own.

The best mother I ever knew was my Mother-in-law. I have frequently said that I married my husband for his mother.  She didn’t know the Word very much but she lived like Jesus.  She loved everyone without judgment, yet still could give corrections when needed.  Her name was Helen Eva Harrington but we all called her mom.  She had 4 sons and 1 daughter and treated all of her sons and daughters-in-law like we had been born in her home.  She could have fun with anything and was known to dress up and go trick-or-treating with the kids and fool the neighbors.  If it was PTA or Scouts or cookies for the classroom she always was the first to volunteer.  At her memorial service almost every person who spoke said “Helen was the best friend I ever had.”  What a way to be remembered!  I miss being able to call her on Mother’s Day.  I have endeavored to follow her example.

Being a mother is my favorite job. I always hoped my girls would feel that they could do anything they wanted and be anything they wanted.  I encouraged playing in the rain and climbing the trees and even once, running away.  Just temporarily, I knew she would be back before dark.  I never said no unless I absolutely had to. I think I did OK.

My daughters are both outstanding mothers, and they are my best friends.  They have taken my mistakes and learned from them, and my grandchildren have benefited from that. They have raised their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and I now have 5 grown up, thriving grandchildren and two very fine grandsons by marriage. The legacy gets stronger and stronger.

Of course, none of this wonderful life my family and I enjoy would be possible without Jesus Christ our savior.  He is the one who truly taught me how to properly be a mother by teaching me how to truly love.

So, mothers, the best advice I can give you is LOVE. Love your Lord, and your husband and your family.   Show an example of honoring the Word and prayer.  Never be afraid to admit to your children when you have been wrong and ask their forgiveness.  Have FUN. The dust can wait. Take time to stop and look when your children want to show you something and listen, there is a lot of wisdom in youth. 

Posted 05/01/2023