For the first time in my life I can’t go see Mama on Mother’s Day or call her on the phone. I’ve always had the opportunity to do one or the other, just to talk a bit and tell her I love her and I’m so thankful for the hard work she did to raise two rowdy boys into responsible men. Being a good parent is hard work; but I think being a good mother is another step up the ladder. It’s a delicate balance between love and discipline (which is really just love in a different wrapper), protecting and letting go and the wisdom, knowledge and experience to apply the right mix for each individual child. I’ve seen expressions of love, exasperation, frustration, and disappointment on Mama’s face all stemming from my own behavior and the last three are still burned into my memory. But mostly I think about her look of love (in spite of the circumstances), see her smile and hear her laughter.
Since Carter died I have tried to be more intentional about telling my family I love them and following that up with actions. I think often about the lesson Carter left behind- take nothing for granted. None of us have the promise of tomorrow so we must act today as if we will not have another chance to share our love. So, on this special day if you still have your mother go see her; put your arms around her and tell her you love her, sit and talk with her for a while. And if you can’t do that, at least call her, talk for a while and tell her you love her. Thank her for putting up with you when you were a brat. And if your relationship with your mother needs to be repaired, today is the day to make that happen. It doesn’t matter whose fault it was (chances are pretty good you were both at fault).
So, make the drive or make the phone call. I would love to have that opportunity one more time. Happy Day to all of you Mothers and thank you for the job you do!
carterscues 