Birthday Musings

Mom, my brothers, and me.

February is one of those months that make me think of Mom, especially today, my birthday.  I am grateful that she had me, that she didn’t stop having babies after my brothers were born. I remember her telling me that the doctor said if she wanted more children not to delay, so I was born less than two years after my brother Paul. I was her last baby.

I think children never fully appreciate their mothers until they become parents themselves. It’s only then that they know the sacrifices, the love, the pain and the joys of parenthood. Mothers are so often taken for granted. There is the assumption that they will always be there, always available, always know what to do. But that’s not true. Somehow mothers aren’t supposed to feel deeply or wound easily. But they do.

Mothers so often set aside their own desires and needs, putting themselves last for the sake of the children. Mothers don’t always know what to do, can’t always fix everything, and need sleep! They do the best they can and somehow, by the grace of God, the children reach adulthood and the cycle continues.

Today, Mom, I think of you. I wanted to go to your house for roast beef after church. I wanted to tell you how much I love you. I wanted to thank you for everything you did for me all those years. I am grateful. 

Somehow I think you know.  But if not, I’ll see you again someday and I’ll tell you then. 

Won’t Heaven be wonderful!