trib·ute

[ˈtribyo͞ot]

NOUN

an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration.

synonyms: accolade · praise · commendation · acclaim · acclamation · salute

Today’s post is a tribute and mother’s day wish to my own sweet mom. I may be a little biased, but I believe she is the best of the best and quite deserving of a public acknowledgment! Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms reading today– may this bless you as well as my own Momma.

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Dear Momma,

I hope this doesn’t embarrass you–“going public” as they say. However, I couldn’t think of a better way to honor you on Mother’s Day than to share a few words here.

I’m quite certain that today you are thinking about your own mother, gone from us too soon. I’ve seen the tears swim in your eyes as your heart longs to see her and talk with her just one more time. Not to be morbid, but when I see that I can’t help but dread the day that I will be longing for you to be here when you aren’t.  But I still have you, and I pray I do for many years to come– so while I can, I want to express some things–just to make sure they never get left unsaid.

For some reason, it seems we mothers rarely feel like we measure up. Instead of noticing all the things we’ve done right, we think of all the ways we’ve messed up. Our mistakes tend to replay in our minds even years later–for some reason on Mother’s Day even more. At least that’s the way it is for me and I’m only a decade in–far short of your nearly 40 years of parenting. Just in case your mind is highlighting the parenting moments you wish you could have done better, I want to tell you what comes to my mind when I think of you.

I can close my eyes and step back in time…

I see you rocking babies. As the second oldest of your 5, my memories seem to really kick in when the three younger were tiny. I remember your sweet voice singing the same songs over and over, soothing the crying baby. I loved the sound of your voice– it comforted me even though it was intended to comfort the littlest of our bunch. Those songs float through my mind on occasion and they still have the power to soothe me! Now you sing them to your grandchildren, blessing another generation with your loving voice.

Additionally, the image of your face and the sound of your voice as you read countless books out loud are imprinted in my mind. I treasure those snapshot memories of you reading out loud. Your love of books and stories have been passed along as you introduced us to many “friends.” Through your love of reading, I learned that I would always have a friend nearby as long as I had a book. I learned that I could travel through time and visit places unknown because you instilled in me a love of reading by reading to us. I still treasure this gift today.

Contagious laughter; sparkling eyes; grace; compassion; warmth; beauty; love.

These are just a few descriptions that always come to mind when I think of you.

Your kindness and grace are soaked up by everyone around you. It’s no wonder that so many more than just your own 5 children call you Momma as well. The way you smile, laugh, and are always ready with a warm hug makes everyone feel loved and accepted as though they all belong to you. Your phone rings off the hook with friends and family all wanting to talk to you–because you listen. You love unconditionally, always offering words of wisdom, encouragement, and prayer.

Yet you’re the first to admit that you can’t really solve any problems and are quick to remind us to go to The One who can.

You cry with those who are hurting. Your compassionate tears do more to soothe broken hearts than any words of advice ever could.

In contrast, your contagious laughter erupts from your heart as you rejoice when good things happen to others…you are truly happy when others have reason to be glad.

Teacher; friend; homemaker; gardener; faithful wife.

These titles also describe you. However, a few small words cannot adequately summarize all that you are nor do justice to the years, days, hours, and minutes you have spent pouring into others.

• Homeschooling when it would have been easier to send us to public school because providing an education that included faith, values, and God’s love was more important to you than your own convenience.
• Planting, weeding, harvesting, and canning the fruits of your labor so your family would be well nourished.
• Carefully tending flowers filling our summers with beauty. (Not only the beauty of the flowers but the beauty that shines from your eyes as you admire every flower because each one is your favorite and brings you joy).
• Diligently sewing clothes for us to wear and stuffed bunnies for us to love.
• Remembering everyone’s favorite foods and blessing us with it every chance you get.
• Loving Dad so well– giving us a beautiful example of Proverbs 31.
• And most importantly, loving God and doing your best to walk in His ways, showing us His love in the way you live.

Mothering can be a thankless job.

The long days and years of changing diapers, wiping noses, cleaning up the unfortunate result of some stomach bug,  stopping quarrels, listening to seemingly incessant whining, followed by years of rebellious teenagers, backtalk, and push-back– it’s no wonder you wanted to run away sometimes! 😉

But you didn’t.

You kept on loving, cooking, teaching, praying– doing countless thankless jobs day in and day out.

I know I didn’t truly see and appreciate all that you did back then…but I do now. And you’re still doing it. You’re still praying, loving, encouraging, and cooking favorite foods.

You are a wonderful mother and a treasured friend.

If I am half the mom you are I will consider myself successful.

For all that you are, for all that you do, for all that you have done,

Thank You.

So, if you have regrets about any mistakes you may have made along the way, please know that you got so much more right than you ever got wrong. That’s what I remember when I think of you. I love you!

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: (Proverbs 31)

(A few words from the rest of your family)

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The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.” –Audry Hepburn

“The love you have for your family and those around you is never hidden. It is seen in your eyes, in each touch, and when you delight in serving everyone’s favorite food! You are such an important person to my family and me. Thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve made; they don’t go unnoticed! You are my encourager and my inspiration. I love you!” –Talitha

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“You have laid a foundation with every prayer you’ve prayed, with all the love and respect you’ve shown Dad, with every time you’ve put your family first.

You have laid a foundation with every lesson taught, with every meal lovingly prepared, with every dish washed while praying at the sink. You have laid a foundation with every garden planted, with every jar of produce stored up, with every egg carefully washed and given away.

You have laid a foundation with your hospitality and your generous spirit. You have laid a foundation of love, faith, and family–a foundation that has given a place of belonging to your children and your children’s children.

Every little thing you do out of love does not go unseen and is not forgotten. Every little thing is visible in the beautiful foundation you have laid. Thank you for giving of yourself– you are seen and loved more than you can know. I love you, Momma!” –Merideth

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“Mom, you are the kindest, sweetest, most caring person I know. Thank you for always being there for me and always making me feel loved–even when it’s hard! Thank you for being my mom. I love you very much!” –Andrew

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“Elaine, I’ve been thinking about Proverbs 31, especially 31:12 where it says “She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” This is so true. You are my strength when I am weak. You encourage me. When I am down you have words that lift me up and steer me in the direction of truth. You are my soulmate. I’m so proud to have you as my soulmate. I think we have had a very good life together. The best thing we can do is to grow old together–no matter what comes our way. And let’s have a good time doing it! I love you!” –Curt

Happy Mother’s Day and lots of love,

~Your Farmer and all your little flowers

 

♥ Lindsey