The last couple of months have been tough for our family. New medical concerns, financial burdens, time constraints, sleep deprivation, a long road trip complete with a stomach bug, life-changing decisions. The list of stressors has become pretty long. As I was wallowing in self-pity and complaining to God about how hard I’ve got it right now, my thoughts went to my mother and how often she must have felt this way when we were young kids. I thought to myself that she likely handled the struggles of motherhood with more grace than I usually do. And I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I was also overwhelmed with the realization that she probably has no idea how grateful I am. So now is the time to express my deep appreciation for my mother. Here goes…
THANK YOU.
These two words seem so small compared to the vastness of what I’m thanking you for.
So I feel the need to say it again…and again…and again.
THANK YOU.
For carrying me in your own body. For the discomfort you endured in order to give me life.
For the innumerable sleepless nights you must have suffered through.
For the long tiring days filled with providing for each of my needs, with three other young children to care for at the same time.
For the countless meals you prepared, which I never thanked you for. And for continuing to do so even when I complained about the food in front of me. And for all the times your food was cold before you got to eat because I spilled my juice, or I needed more ketchup, or I dropped my fork.
For all of the showers you desperately wanted to take but didn’t have time to.
For the clean comfortable house we lived in, for the endless piles of laundry you had to keep up with, for managing all of this on your own when Dad had to travel for work.
For patiently speaking words of comfort when I had a bad dream in the middle of the night when you finally fell asleep.
For 6000+ bedtimes, and all that bedtime entails.
For making the dollars stretch to provide for our family.
For taking care of me when I was sick, even when you were sick too.
For road trips. Long road trips. With four kids. Enough said.
For all the band-aids, kisses, and ice packs.
For making me play outside and letting me get dirty. For teaching me how to appreciate and enjoy God’s creation.
For reading to me often and opening my world through the love of books.
For instilling in me a lifelong passion for learning.
For teaching me to love others, to appreciate differences, to live generously.
For the sacrifices you made to help us through seminary.
For the love and grace you show your grandchildren. For being the best Memaw in the world.
For making yourself available to care for our children over and over and over.
For always being there.
And most importantly, for raising me in a home full of faith, and for leading me to know and love Jesus Christ.
For all of these things and so much more, I am eternally grateful. I would not be whom I am today without your love and your support. Thank you.
