My Mom

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there.

I want to take a few minutes to reflect on my mom. She has done so much to shape me and to make me who I am today.

When I think of my mom, I think of kindness. My mom is one of the kindest persons I know. She is always ready to talk to anyone – stranger or friend. She is incredibly caring. Mom wants to make sure people feel welcomed and loved.

I remember her being an incredible hostess. Her crescent rolls are amazing, and her pot roast makes my mouth water. She always finds room at her table for everyone – family, friends, and complete strangers.

Mom did an amazing job putting up with three boys (four if you count Dad). We’re all a little different, and I’m pretty sure we all have a little bit of Mom in each of us. She stepped away from her career to take care of us, and she made sure we eat well, wore clean clothes, and stayed healthy.

Mom’s love for Dad is an amazing example – not that Dad is not worth loving. Mom has stood by Dad through thick and thin, and I’m sure my Dad would agree that his ministry success (and survival) was significantly aided by Mom’s partnership. Mom and Dad aren’t perfect, but they sure have set an amazing example of marriage. They have worked on their marriage, and it shows today as they navigate the challenges of retirement and age-related illness.

I had a chance to talk to Mom today. She lives in Milwaukee (and I’m here in the Philadelphia area). I try to talk with her at least once a week. Mom filled me in on some of the details of their past week. She told me about Sam’s (my nephew) fiddle show. She talked about Dad’s recent preaching opportunities. And she told me about Icee’s (the family dog) failing health. She talked about Uncle Wes who is in the hospital. And she talked about coming out for Isaac’s graduation. Despite her early onset Alzheimer’s, Mom is doing pretty well at remembering many things.

I’m so thankful for my mom. She deserves the day to be celebrated (actually, she deserves more than just a day).

Thank you, Mom!

I love you!