A Tribute To My Mother

I realized yesterday just how much my mother means to me. I really don't know if I can put this into words without sounding trite, or like I want to elicit emotion. These are just the facts and something I hope will inspire and challenge each of us.

Yesterday afternoon after work I had about five hours of Christmas shopping ahead of me. My mother asked if I could come by the hospital (where she goes each day for radiation treatments). She and my dad had a Christmas gift for Brian and I.

So, gladly I went and my dad left to do some errands. It was my job to see her over to physical therapy after she got out of her treatment session. She came out and said, "Oh, I forgot I have to see the doctor today before I go." My first thought was, "I wonder how long this will take". Then I thought, "Well, I would like to visit with her so it's probably working out for the best."

A side note: recently I have begun to see who in my life is most important. That is, who really cares for me. To be fair, I know that I need to BE a friend to have a friend (Proverbs 18:24). But here's what is different about a mother's love: You don't have to be her friend for her to be yours. She will love you unconditionally.

So we are sitting there waiting for the doctor (mind you, my mother's right hand is swollen twice its normal size and her left hand is slowly regaining it's function. She can hardly pick up a cup) and she says, "Open your Christmas gift--I wrapped it myself." She had taken a piece of tissue paper and wrapped up a gift for me, and one for Brian. There wasn't even any tape on it, so I know she probably refused my dad's help and insisted she do it herself. Somehow, that tissue paper means more to me than the gift.

Her wrapping our gifts symbolizes a couple of her best character traits: making the most of what she has and giving her very best to me. She always has and always will. For many years she worked a full time job, got her college degree and sent me to a private school. When I saw the effort she put into "wrapping" our gifts, I forgot about all the shopping I had to do and sat with her, waiting for the doctor, relishing our time together.

So remember this Christmas that no one can take the place of your mother. If you have a mother she probably has made mistakes, but take time to appreciate her. It is a time for family. I am so thankful to have my mother in my life this Christmas. Each day is a gift for us to cherish one another. Merry Christmas!