As I sat on the stage with Elizabeth who has lost her mother this past year, I was struck by her answer to one of the questions from the Boys and Girls Club audience. "What advice would you give to those of us who still have our mothers here on earth?" Her answer appears to be a simple one, 'Appreciate them, spend time with them and tell them you love them as often as you can.' On the surface I think most of us would agree we do that. But upon further reflection while we feel that way, often our expressions fall short.
As my own mother battles dementia, I find myself wanting some down time. WOW, how selfish of me when I think of all the sacrifices she has made for me. I think of the youth and how they can be so rude at times when their parents are late picking them up. Teenagers, wonder how many hours your mom has spent picking up after you, waiting on you at the dinner table, or waiting for you to text back. Elizabeth's words are absolutely true. But this Mother's Day we absolutely need to a better job following through with our gift of appreciation. time and love.
I owe my mother so much. Her hands made our house a home. She was always right, even when I chose wrong. And I still long to be in her presence.
Thank you Elizabeth for your wonderful insight. You are wise beyond your fourteen years. I will be thinking of you on your first Mother's Day without your mom. I challenge everyone who reads this blog to say a prayer for Elizabeth and all others without their mothers this year and to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the mothers who are still in our presence.
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