To My Mother!

I look at those hands that once were strong, and tended to all six of us, at various times in our infancy and growing up years. I look at your back, not so straight or strong anymore, bent from age and this thing called "life." I look at those legs, that once "ferried" us from one place to another - school, Church, hospitals, friends' homes, sporting activities, youth clubs - one place or another.

My heart almost breaks sometimes, when i look at your frail body, an evidence of your 81 years of age. I often wonder where, or even how the years passed....

BUT......when i hear your voice, my heart leaps and brims with joy. It is still the ever assuring and reassuring voice of Mom. 

I see your open arms, and though i can't run into them, as i once did, lest i push the wind out of you, i know and feel that i've done just that, as i settle into the warm embrace of your assuring hug. Like a child, i feel safe again! It is true, what they say about a Mother's arms, and hugs - the warmth in them NEVER runs dry, or goes cold.

The look in your eyes, says enough - gentle; warm; chiding sometimes, but lovingly so; firm, as you dish out words of advice; dancing excitedly, as you tell stories of your life experiences, and times gone; hopeful, as you talk about a future for your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the generations that will be, after you're long gone! And your prayers, how can we ever overlook them? The ever constant - "May God always be with you!" Said in our native dialect, its import so strong and assertive, we feel God acting on it promptly and with gusto!  

Married to the same man for 55 years....and still counting! Mother of many, six of them biological, all, her children; grandmother of many; great grandmother of even more; and i, privileged to be one of the many, in the different generations! In unison, from far and wide, we each, and all rise, and call you, "Blessed!"

For me, EVERY DAY is Mothers' Day, when i think of you, and what you represent in my life! I know i'm not alone in that assertion! And so, i celebrate you, not just today, Mothers' Day, but always and forever...surmised in a poem that has traversed several moons and generations, and which you taught me as a child: 

My Mother : Ann Taylor (1782 - 1866)

Who fed me from her gentle breast,
And hush’d me in her arms to rest,
And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?
My Mother.

When sleep forsook my open eye,
Who was it sung sweet hushaby,
And rock’d me that I should not cry?
My Mother.

Who sat and watched my infant head,
When sleeping in my cradle bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed?
My Mother.

When pain and sickness made me cry,
Who gazed upon my heavy eye,
And wept for fear that I should die?
My Mother.

Who dress’d my doll in clothes so gay,
And taught me pretty how to play.
And minded all I had to say?
My Mother.

Who taught my infant lips to pray,
And love God’s holy book and day.
And walk in Wisdom’s pleasant way?
My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be
Affectionate and kind to thee,
Who was so very kind to me?
My Mother

Ah, no! the thought I cannot bear;
And if God please my life to spare,
I hope I shall reward thy care,
My Mother.

Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the place to make it well?
My Mother.

When thou art feeble, old, and gray,
My healthy arm shall be thy stay,
And I will soothe thy pains away.
My Mother.

And when I see thee hang thy head,
‘Twill be my turn to watch thy bed.
And tears of sweet affection shed,
My Mother.

For God, who lives above the skies,
Would look with vengeance in His eyes,
If I should ever dare despise
My Mother.

For could our Father in the skies
Look down with pleased or loving eyes,
If ever I could dare despise
My Mother.

Happy Mothers' Day, MOM...may you ALWAYS, ALWAYS be blessed....Amen....

Your daughter, 
~~ ada ~~