Mother's Day

There are some things that every mom can claim having done. They all change diapers and clean up messes. They all cook meals and do the laundry. Every mom drives kids around to various events and moms everywhere take care of little boo-boos and sick kids. My mom did all that, but she did something else that no other mom has done. She picked my dad. 

Her wisdom in that selection showed maturity beyond her 18 years. Times were tough at the start, but soon enough kids started making appearances in thier lives. First one, then another, followed by even more. This brings us to another of Mom’s unique accomplishments. She raised five kids. Sure other moms have raised five kids, but none have raised her five kids. And we are not just any five. We are five who have grown and matured through the years. Five who have followed our parents examples. Five who have claimed a faith in Jesus Christ as our own. We are five who have multiplied. We are five who have passed the faith of our parents on to our kids. 

We are five who get along. We are five who enjoy each other’s company. We are five who come back home as often as we can. And we have Mom to thank for that. Since she made such a perfect choice in husbands, all that Mom is, Dad is too. Together they meet the needs of many. They give without a second thought. They want the best for us and for everyone they meet. 

They notice the little things but never force themselves into anything. They know we will come to them if we need them. That’s the way we were raised. Their advice is always sound, the encouragement welcome.  They revel in our joys and share in a piece of our pains.

Their home is still our home. The door is always open because it is more than a home, it’s a community. It’s a place where anyone is welcome. Family events often include those who were not born into the family, but arrived one day and never left. 

Our lives are rare, but not impossible to duplicate. The foundation is clear and that has never changed. Now, as a father of five myself, I strive everyday to create a home where my children feel about their parents the same way I feel about mine. 

Mom and I are alike in many ways, but the lesson I learned best is the importance of picking the perfect spouse. And that I did. I hope to one day look back and proudly say that together, we did as good of a job raising our kids as Mom and Dad did with theirs.