LIFE AT THE COTTAGE

Monday, May 10, 2010

In Praise of Mom



One of my goals—during my first year of blogging—is to introduce you to those whom I hold most dear to my heart. 

Thus far, you have been given a brief introduction to my incredibly talented Yankee husband, several glimpses of my precious granddaughter, Lana, and an in-depth intro to my lovely daughter, Asheley.

Since this is the time of year when everyone in the blogosphere seems to show off their moms, I thought I would join in on the celebration. 

And yes, I am aware that Mother's Day was yesterday.  But my mom's birthday is today, May 10th, so I decided to postpone my tribute by a day and combine the post for Mother's Day and Mom's birthday.


I am the eldest of five children—all girls. 

When my mom got pregnant with me, she was in Germany—thousands of miles from home and family,
for the very first time in her life.

I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for her to be in a foreign country, where she could not speak the language, where she knew few people, other than my dad—who was often gone on military maneuvers—and where she had to experience all the ups and downs of pregnancy without support from loved ones.


Yet, she made the best of her circumstances for my sake, as well as my dad's.


Throughout the years, as I have spent countless hours pouring over family photos and videos, I have gazed into the same sweet, loving face of a woman totally devoted to her husband and children.


I have learned so much from my mom about what it means to be self-sacrificing, totally giving of oneself to meet the needs of others—especially loved ones.


She has the most caring nature and generous spirit of anyone I have every known. 

And, the love she has for her family has been a beacon of light that has been a constant throughout the good times and the bad.

Though each of her children—myself included—have given her much cause for work and worry in raising us, she has always fulfilled her role of mother with patience, kindness, and an understanding heart. 

She has been the most wonderful role model of a loving, devoted wife and mother that I have ever witnessed. 

And her example has molded and shaped who I am as a wife and mother more than she will ever know.


My prayer for you Mom, this Mother's Day and birthday, is for...

health, happiness, and a long, long life...

and to be blessed beyond measure, as you have blessed me.

I LOVE YOU MOM, WITH ALL MY HEART!!!

"Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'"  Proverbs 31:28,29

5 comments:

  1. Donna Wilkerson O'DonnellMay 12, 2010 at 8:35 PM

    Well, My eldest sister...you have pulled on my heart strings with your words. They couldnt be more true and fitting!!! She has always been a wonderful role model, any child could have. Thank you for sharing just a SMALL glimpse of the precious woman WE have had the honor of calling our mother.

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  2. awww that was super sweet! What I've learned about your mom is all good and heartwarming. Im glad I get to see her once in a while! She is truely an sweet lady!

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  3. What a lovely tribute to your mother. I love the color photo of her in the white dress with red roses, such a great picture of not only your mom but also that dress. :) I can truly relate to your moms circumstances of her pregnancy and birth of you. I was 21 years old, pregnant and almost always by myself, while we were stationed in Germany. Our first son was born there in Frankfurt. A military wife does what she has to do and lives where they are told in order to support her soldier. Or at least that is the way we used to do it!! Times are changing. :(
    I'm sure your mom would agree with me.
    Again, lovely, lovely tribute to your mom. I enjoyed reading it.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Blessings,
    Ann
    @
    The Tattered Tassel

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  4. What a wonderful tribute to our Mom. She has always put so many ahead of herself. She has more than the five she gave birth too. There were some she babysat for that feel she is their Mother as well. I miss living so close and the times we shared. She is the best Mom in the world and I love her with all my heart.

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  5. A beautiful tribute to your beautiful mom. You must have enjoyed looking through the old pictures as you put together your post. Very touching post.

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