Making Invisible Moms Visible

A special thanks to all the mothers out there who make everyone’s life better. Without you, we wouldn’t be here. I especially want to honor mothers who aren’t here on this earth any longer like my mother who had their time on earth and did the best job they could to raise their children well.

I love Mother's Day. It makes many mothers and women visible who feel invisible. It makes mothers who sometimes feel unappreciated, appreciated. It makes many mothers and women who feel uncelebrated, celebrated. That sounds like God to me.

I think every mom will relate to the following thoughts about ‘Momitude.’ It’s called ‘What I Owe My Mother’ written by a grateful, grownup child. 

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE. “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.” My mother taught me RELIGION. “You better pray that will come out of the carpet.” My mother taught me LOGIC. “Because I said so, that’s why.” My mother taught me MORE LOGIC. “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”

My mother taught me FORESIGHT. “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.” My mother taught me IRONY. “Keep on crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.” My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS. “Shut your mouth and eat your supper.” My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM. “Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!” My mother taught me about STAMINA. “You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”

My mother taught me about WEATHER. “This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.” My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY. “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!” My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE. “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.” My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. “Stop acting like your father!” My mother taught me about ENVY. “There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION. “Just wait until we get home.” My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE. “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.” My mother taught me ESP. “Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?”

My mother taught me HUMOR. “When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.” My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT. “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.” My mother taught me GENETICS. “You’re just like your father.”  My mother taught me about my ROOTS. “Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?” My mother taught me WISDOM. “When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”

Here is my favorite. 

My mother taught me about JUSTICE. “One day you’ll have kids; I hope they turn out just like you.” 

I imagine most mothers have felt this way a time or two but it’s worth it, right mothers? 

Seriously, thank you, Mothers, for putting up with so much from the men and children in your family. Thank you for nurturing, caring, giving, and loving. We honor who you are and what you do to make your house a home. There are no perfect mothers so don't even try. Just be you today and enjoy. If your circumstances are tough right now, I know by experience that God will give you peace from the past, strength for the present, and hope for the future. And, never, never, ever, ever, quit being Mom. 

Happy Mother’s Day and thank God for a little ‘Momitude’ to make the world a better place.