As we celebrate this Mother’s Day weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to write a special post dedicated to all of our mothers out there. Here goes…
I must admit, I have always had mixed feelings about the whole Mother’s Day thing. Okay, let me be completely real. I, honestly used to hate Mother’s Day. Before you begin your series of disapproving grunts and moans, let me explain. You see, my birthday is on May 13th. And as long as I can remember, it has always fallen on or around Mother’s Day, causing my special day to be overshadowed by another holiday that had nothing to do with me. Forgive me for my selfishness, but I wanted my own day. I didn’t want to share it, even if it was to commemorate the sacrifices of my mother. If my birthday arrived a few days before Mother’s Day, no one cared because they were concentrating on what they wanted to do for Mama. If it came a few days after, it was of no concern to them because they spent all of their money on Mama. And God forbid if my birthday happened to land on the same day as Mother’s Day. I surely wasn’t getting the attention that I desired, as everyone seemed to make my special day an afterthought. “Oh yeah, Chris, we guess this can be your birthday dinner too,” they would say as they offered their remaining doses of charitable recognition. And while throughout my entire life, I have harbored some well deserved animosity to the day honoring our mothers, I now write this post with slight sentiments of regret.
This Mother’s Day–May 11, 2008–marks the 10th Mother’s Day that I have spent without my mother. My mother passed away almost 11 years ago. And while my birthday is still scheduled to arrive around the same time as this once despised holiday, my one birthday wish is that I could look my mother in the eye and simply tell her how much I love her. I can’t remember the last time I’ve cried when discussing this topic. I honestly thought that I had conquered such emotions. However, as I currently wipe the streaming tears from my face, I find myself in a predicament that many others will experience during this weekend. How can I express to my mother, and to all of the other mothers in the world, how much they are appreciated? And while, I am not graced with the luxury of taking my mother to dinner, or being able to buy her a new dress; like you, I would still enjoy the opportunity to express my love to her. Therefore, I have decided to simply write a letter:
Dear Mama,
I just wanted to take a few moments to simply express my love for you. I truly thank you for every sacrifice, every lesson, and every moment that you have given me. In your strength, you have encouraged me to always do my best. In your struggles, you have shown me the meaning of perseverance. And with your undying support, I have truly learned how to love. Mama, while I may not have been the best child. I thank you for your grace and forgiveness as you have constantly encouraged me to do my best. I thank God for you and the moments that we have had. From you, I have learned about love, strength, and purpose. And as I continue to be the person that God has created me to be, I can’t begin to express my gratitude for having you in my life. Mama, while I continuously struggle to come up with the right words to convey my feelings of gratitude, I am merely left with the simple phrase of I Love You. Mama, I LOVE YOU.
Love,
Me
This posting is dedicated to all of the mothers in the world. Words cannot express our many thanks. We love you. For those of you that are privaleged enough to still have your mothers, cherish them, honor them, and uplift them. Not just on Mother’s Day, but every day. Mothers from me to you, I Love You.
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