I had a room full of young kids enjoying some free time the other day. As class came to an end, several were cutting and pasting. Some were making masks or paper airplanes. I noticed one sitting in the back alone. As I grew closer, I saw that he was making a card. He had the words, ‘I love you, Mom” written on the front and had taken time to do his best writing.
When he saw me looking, he smiled. I stepped closer and said, “Your mom is going to love that.” He grinned even bigger and as I was getting ready to walk away I noticed something in his eyes. Not sure what it was but I turned back to him. We talked for a second and then I asked if he was going to give his card to his mom when he got home or wait until Mother’s Day. Without looking up, he said, “My mom lives in Heaven.” I blinked back tears and tried to regain my composure. With a smile, I replied, “So does my mom! Maybe they’re friends.” His eyes met my mine and he smiled widely and nodded.
Mother’s Day is a sweet time but it’s going to difficult for some. It was for me for many years. The day brings with it good and bad memories, regrets from women who did the best they could and others who know they didn’t.
It doesn’t matter if you’re 6, 16 or 60 you still miss your mom or the mom you should have had or should have been especially on days like this.
So, here’s to all those facing this day without your mom or all those moms wishing you could hug your child one more time. You are loved. You are appreciated. You matter. You are not alone. God is faithful and will never leave or forsake you.
If you haven’t already, this would also be a good time to forgive your mom for her shortcomings even those she willingly chose. Let grudges go. Remind yourself that life is hard and some people are better at it than others.
Surround yourself with folks who love God and try to bring his peace, grace and joy into this dark world. Call your mom and tell her you love her. And then go hug someone who wishes they could.
I hope you have a beautiful Mother’s Day.
Paula Harrington is the mother of five children and resides in Calvert City. She is compiler and editor of the books, Once Upon a Bible Class, A Common Bond and A Sunday Afternoon with the Preachers’ Wives. Her work has appeared in Christian Woman magazine, the Christian Chronicle newspaper and numerous other sites and websites. When she’s not teaching at one of Marshall County’s finest schools, she’s helping her family at the Calvert Drive-in Theater (and by helping, she means eating the cheeseburgers). She can be contacted at harringtonseven@yahoo.com