First of all – I love you, mom – Happy Mother’s Day!

How fitting, eh? For me to have my very own supermom? (Yes. I realize I need months of therapy when it comes to my hero infatuation.)

My very earliest memory of mom is of her helping one of my brothers to and from the bathroom when he was extremely ill one summer. She had/has a special way with us when we were sick. She never babied us… never pampered us with ridiculous promises of ice cream and candy when we got better. Even though she would say things that we didn’t think was much help in our “agony”, it was more than likely exactly what we needed to hear. Most times though, she was simply there for us – understanding and compassionately waiting out the flu, earache, or whatever else we were suffering from… right there with us.

My mom has qualities and traits that set her apart from every other mom out there (no really… I’m serious. This is completely unbiased). She has this uncanny ability to miss the punch line to every joke she hears (or tells). I remember our appliance repairman (a family friend… by default) would tell joke after joke while tinkering underneath the dryer or washing machine. The punch line would come (delivered perfectly and very dryly) and mom would wait a moment… and then sweetly ask for the explanation. Once told, she would laugh hilariously at the joke and then say, “I’m going to have to remember that one.” Ahh… mother. I do love you. Her laugh… (I’m audibly laughing a little as I write this) has a distinct quality. It is a completely unpretentious, unfettered, and unmistakable laugh. Unmistakable, maybe… but not impossible to imitate – my sister here in Memphis can mimic it perfectly (imitation: the best form of flattery?).

Mom always has something encouraging or supportive to say. Her ever present smile is genuine, and her intentions are just as pure. She has a way of spinning any situation into something positive or constructive (while this is sometimes irritating… she’s usually right). The way I react and how I view my choices as related to my circumstances has been heavily influenced by her example.

Mom has also set the bar extremely high for any girl out there who is or has been interested in any one of her sons. Eric (my older brother) is so far the only one of us three who has landed such a prize. I have never, ever doubted my mother’s undying love for Dad. Realistically I know there must have been strains in their relationship at times… but growing up I never picked up on anything that could have made me insecure about their love for each other – and for me. She has always been open to learning if it will help her become a better mom, wife, or person. Her faith in Christ and his ultimate power and control in our lives is shown by her frequent prayers for her children. Mom’s loyalty, honesty, faith, determination, commitment, affection, and patience are so evident in her relationship with Dad. These things have stuck with me. Her example in their marriage has shown me the truth that committed relationships really can deliver everything they promise. We can only hope that people with a fraction of her character and integrity give as much influence to our culture as she has given to her family.

Again, I love you mom… and I am so grateful for everything you have given me.