When I was only twenty-two, my mother left us. It was a devastating blow and we had little warning. Within weeks she was having extreme headaches and then one day went to sleep in the swivel chair and from that point, we really lost her. She died of an aneurism. It was quick and left us all stunned.
The thing about the word Mother though is that I remember those twenty-two years and how she did all she could to expand my horizons. Here are a few lessons taught to me by my mother:
1. Be Kind One To Another– My mother was a kind soul. She had the heart of a nurse. Although she was a stay-at-home mother, she had earlier worked and had a heart for the nursing profession. She cared about people and wanted to comfort and help. When I went off to college she got a job working in a convalescing center. She was kind-hearted and what is called “sweet”. Her voice was gentle and her hands warm. She was loving.
2. Do Your Best- All throughout my days in school, I remember struggling with mathematics. (No wonder I taught language arts throughout my career and be glad America!) No matter what would happened in the classroom that day, my mother’s words rung loud and clear…”Just do your very best, Nannie”.
3. Say You’re Sorry– We had a happy family. I do not remember skirmishes or problems with getting along but I do remember being told I had to say I’m sorry and mean it so obviously there had to have been something to say I was sorry for. What I have taken from that all of my life is that each of us must keep our lines of communication clear and saying “sorry” is one of the ways to do this. My mother always seemed at peace with everyone.
4. Fight To The End- My mother was captain of the Estill, South Carolina basketball team. In high school, I played every sport including basketball. My mother was my mentor and coach and would remind me that the ball will belong to one or the other team and to keep it, one must fight. She would remind that “the other team isn’t going to just let you have it”. So, I’d say I learned “grit” from my mom. If there is something you want, you must go for it. It isn’t just going to come to you without a price.
5. Live For Jesus- If there was anyone that lived for Jesus, it was my mother. Truly, she was one who lived our her faith and it showed. I learned from her that I must read God’s Word and not just read it but live it out. My mother gave me a Living Bible, inscribed and all. I love that she wanted me to know, love and live out the precepts of Christ.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I’m grateful for the life my mother lived. She loved and lived out a worthy life for her family. She was only 49 when she left for eternity but she is remembered as one who promoted eternal values and they have lived on through me.
Happy Mother’s Day.
Josie