Tag: Mother's Day

Mother is a verb. To Mother is to love with all of your heart. Thank God every day for every single mother and mother figure in your life. These women nurture, cheer, and support, emotionally, financially, spiritually, and physically. They discipline so that you can achieve your full potential. They are selfless and fearless. Even for those who have lost or perhaps did not have the benefit of a wonderful mother, some woman stepped into that space and became your champion.

I have written often of these relationships and this week the clinic provided. Nathan is 60 years old, with big eyes and much concern. He asks to call his mother in California during the visit. It is definitely more for his benefit than to share information. Marlene arrives with her too- young- for cancer 35-year-old daughter. The newly diagnosed aggressive breast cancer is a shock but Marlene quickly takes charge. Charlotte misses treatments Friday and Monday as she heads to Michigan to see her 90-year-old mother this weekend. Benefits and immune boosting will come from their interaction more than we can provide. I can barely ever step into the room without Mother figuring into the process. I love it.

Cancer forges this relationship like nothing else. There may have been disappointments and pushback over the years. Perhaps even estrangement has occurred and yet usually the first call for help and hand-holding goes out to Mom. Somehow her presence is not interfering, it is required.

So today I cheer for every Mom of every kind and remind you that you are always on call….keep your phones charged up, your travel bag handy, your comfort food prepped, your comforting arms strong, your calming smile ready while your tears are hidden.

Be assured that you heal more than any doctor or treatment. You provide confidence, as you always have, and give strength and assurance. After all, the one who taught them to walk, talk, learn, and explore is exactly the right person to help see them through one of the most challenging times in their life. Mom is eager and ready to do this. She has faith in you forever. Celebrate her, be grateful for her and if she has passed, continue to pray to her.

God Bless you on Mother’s Day and know that you are appreciated and your love and peace necessary. Thank you for all that you do. Happy Mother’s Day.

No, not an 80’s rock band. It’s a busy weekend as The Kentucky Derby and Mother’s Day collide this year. The Oaks feature the Fillies on pink cancer- awareness day. Then the pageantry of Derby Day (Lovely Louisville is birthplace of two of my grandchildren) captures our attention and imagination for the “greatest two minutes in sports”. It happens that these events have something in common. Moms are forever running flat out. Everybody get out of Mom’s way when she is determined and focused- especially if the issue involves her offspring. Those Kentucky Derby racers have nothing on a determined woman.

On Mother’s Day, let’s fascinate in our fascinators regarding the amazing gift it is to witness a mother’s heart. Moms, grand and even great, aunts, friends, women in the roles of matriarch all have one thing in common: that fierce fighting spirit. They have blinders on when it comes to their own. Just like the mama bear, never get between a woman and her children, no matter the age.

We know that mothers are special but allow me to share a deeper perspective. When they suffer illness, injury or separation, the concern is never ever for themselves. Every mother expresses to me her concern for others. They temper their discussions in front of their children as to lessen the impact. They are always selfless and view cancer as inconvenient for their families. If I am evaluating their own child, they are asking the questions, pushing for action and answers. They show up, even if it’s by phone across the country. I can almost hear, “Don’t make me come over there!”. Their son or daughter may roll their eyes, but I know they are comforted that Mom has their back and even when they are 50 or 60, Mom will take control if needed. I witness this daily and recognize it immediately, having trained at my own loving mother’s knee. In her last year, even with little breath, her questions were always about the family. Mom would have been 100 this weekend. Her sense of responsibility strong and her devotion never dying. Thank you, Mom.

Women are unique, ingrained with a power and from birthing through to the end always get past the pain and only feel and remember the love. This weekend is a time to congratulate these dear mothers on your lives well lived with constant commitment. Your paths have not been easy but your force is undeniable. You never need roses to be celebrated. You just need the knowledge that your children are blessed and they are, because God gifted them to your charge. Be proud of the efforts. You were made for this role and even when you are challenged, we know your pure heart of love will live on. My prayer this Mother’s Day is that God will hold you in the palm of His hand and continue to give you all the strength you need for your own run for the roses. Happy Mother’s Day.

Note: Lucky to still have Mom here? Please call her. While roses are lovely, it is two minutes of your voice that melts her heart every time.