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I thought I would write about my Mom. The last time I wrote about her was as a kid and I still think she has that note. I am now in my 60's and Mom is in her 80's. I think it has taken me this long to understand Mom. In fact, I don't think I really had a clear picture of her until I helped Dad write his book. But there are some insights into one's parents that don't happen until we have the perspective of gray-headed experience.
During most of my adult life, I respected Mom, but I'm not sure I really accepted her for who she was. I used to wish she wasn't so up-tight. I didn't know why she couldn't enjoy things more and become more nurturing. Looking back on it, I don't think I was mature enough to understand how complex Mom is and how she became so tenacious.
I love Mom not just because she gave me birth and made sure I had everything I needed growing up; I appreciate her for setting me on the same path of principled tenaciousness. My odd sense of humor comes from my Mom whose quirky sense of humor was such a contrast to her evangelical zeal. She was impulsive in confrontation but reserved in her affections, but she couldn't help being born into a German-Scotch-Irish family. I used to think she was kinda' mean, but in hindsight I don't think that's true. I think she was and is the product of her up-bringing. Her sternness came from her father who was a bit of a curmudgeon on the outside but a softie on the inside. Her humor came from her grandfather who raised her. As a kid she moved all the time, in and out of schools, not really able to build a lot of lasting friendships. I think that lack of stability in her early life made her tenacious for our family.
The hallmark of her life is her faith in Christ. That is her greatest gift to her family. I appreciate that now more than I ever have. Believing in the sovereignty of God leads me to believe that her character was exactly what was needed to shape my own.
I am extremely blessed to have both parents still with me. I know that won't always be the case. So if you tipped the bubbly, I'd propose a toast to you, Mom. But since you don't, I'll just say Happy Mother's Day. It's all turned out very good. God is true to His Word. And you've been true to Him and to Dad, and that's why I love you.
Happy Mother's Day!
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2 comments:
Dave, Thank you for your tribute.
You sized me up right. If I had to do over, I would love to have been more affectionate, but my family just wasn't that way. but I knew they loved me dearly. You were always loved. I now see God's plan for your life and you are more talented and I appreciate that. I tried to do everything with God first in our lives. I do not regret putting God first in our family. May you continue to follow your Mother's Christian example after I am gone. I will be watching you from above (dry humor). Mom
Oh, wow, what a neat tribute! I just read this aloud to Steve (along with your mom's response) and could hardly get through it without tearing up. God bless you both!
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