Mothers

Elizabeth

Once, long ago I failed to recognize Elizabeth (Liz), my wife of 48 years on Mothers Day. Trying to justify my actions, or in this case my inaction I made the mistake of informing her that she was “not my mother.” (Yes, I know) I was just a stupid, stupid young man and had no idea the err of my ways and what I was up against. I took her silence as victory, went about my business, and the matter was closed.

That evening I came home after a glorious day playing golf with my buddies. I showered and settled in to watch football before noticing how quiet it seemed in the house. Looking around I found there was nobody in the house but me no kids, no wife. Well, this was great I could watch the game in peace with no interruptions, which I did. I was getting hungry as the game progressed but there was nothing but some stale chips to munch on. There were no cellphones back then, but I was finally beginning to wonder where my family was when they showed up. The quiet was shattered. Kids and mother shouting and arguing as they came through the door. When the fray scattered and calmed a bit, I informed Liz just how hungry I was.

About an hour later as the game was ending, there was no food nor smell of food coming from the kitchen. Finding Liz reading a book in the bedroom, I snapped “hey where’s my food?” Without even looking up she quietly replied, “I’m not your mother.” It took many seconds for that to sink in to “this stupid mans brain.”

I also stupidly decided to fight back, stomping back to the kitchen and making a grilled cheese sandwich with Kool-Aid and stale chips. Over the next week I got tired of grilled cheese, peanut butter sandwiches, and Kool-Aid. My stale chips were also gone. I held out a second week with fast food which I have never cared for.

During the second week I noticed there were no clean clothes. Finding my lovely wife again reading a book, I stupidly demanded to know why? She did at least peer up at me from the book and said: “The kids have clean clothes, but I am not your mother.”

I don’t know exactly when I surrendered. Maybe it was when I got tired of grilled cheese, peanut butter, and fast food. Maybe it was finding out I didn’t know how to do laundry. It was probably when I finally realized just how much I depended on my Liz even in the beginning. She was a wonderful mother to our children. She was also my wife, my friend, my rock, and my love. I miss you so much……….Happy Mothers Day Liz, I’ll see you in Heaven.

Bobbie

My mother Bobbie was taken from me at the early age of 52. She was everything a mother should be. She was a small Lady, less than five foot tall, but much taller in ideals and faith. Momma was always there for me supporting anything and everything in my life. She was the glue that held us together in difficult times as long as possible. Momma brought me to church where I found Jesus and learned there was more available for us all.

She was the one who sneaked a sandwich into my room when I had been sent to bed with no supper. She was the one who stayed with me through the mumps knowing she would also get sick by doing so. She was the one who found a way to buy my first guitar from a $20 a week food allowance. Without her early support and guidance my wonderful life would not have been possible.

Getting married at age 17, I didn’t know my mother long as an adult. She became sick shortly thereafter and I only saw glimpses of the loving mother I once knew. I know one thing though: Bobbie is there waiting for me in Heaven!

What a day, glorious day that will be. I love you momma.

Exodus 20:12

Honor your Mother this day.