ACROSS THE MILES

MOTHERS DAY......A TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER

The things my mother taught me.

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe it to my mother."
Abraham Lincoln.


Few words can sum up the meaning and significance of the word mother. It stands for Patience, Unconditional love, Sacrifices, Grief, and worry.
When I think of my mother I see a woman who was strong, patient and kind, loving and at the same time was able to enforce discipline. was forgiving, tolerant and was rich in knowledge.
I did not see these attributes when I was young , it was only as I grew older and had children of my own did I appreciate who my mother was.

My mother was capable of doing right and wrong, this showed me that she was human.

She was not here when my children were born and at times when I needed her, this made me realize that life does not go on forever.

She took time from her busy schedule to go to church, this taught me that I should always find time to put God in my life.

The next thing that set her apart was her love for her children, and her intent that they should lead normal, well adjusted lives. She sacrificed a lot of things in her life to ensure that we got the best.This taught me that I have to do everything I can to teach my children right. The importance of family and how to give of myself.

By taking me back to school when I refused to go, she taught me the importance of school and an education. She taught me to set goals and to believe in myself.

She was always standing in the crowd watching me at school plays or on sports days, cheering me along even if I had a small part to play, or came last in sports. This taught me that no matter how big a part my children played in a school play or a game, just me being there would make a big difference and would make them feel important.

She always made sure that a family she knew, who would otherwise go hungry, was able to have atleast one good meal. It was not with the abundance , but with the little she had, that she gave. This taught me that I can always make a difference in other peoples lives, and that it does not take riches to be generous.

During my teenage years, she put up with all the mistakes I made, when my spirits were down she consoled me, when I thought I looked ugly she made me feel beautiful. She endured my many mood swings. She wiped away my tears and just understood . This taught me that I should be patient with my teenage children, just as I was allowed to make mistakes and learn from it they should be able to do the same.

When I failed she was there with open arms, pretending that I could do no wrong, helping me to learn, to find strength and to carry on. She taught me to be there for my family with unconditional love, to allow them to fall and to help them to get up and stand tall.

By welcoming and treating all my friends the same, regardless of race or religion she taught me the meaning of acceptance and tolerance, she also made me aware that we may look different, speak a different language, worship different Gods but in our hearts we are the same.

When I wanted to marry the man of my choice, she supported me in my decision even though in her heart she felt differently.She gave me away with some advice and her blessings. This taught me to accept other peoples decisions even if it did not match mine, to look at the best in the person and pray for everything to turn out well.

My father travelled a lot and the burden of runing the home fell on my mothers shoulders, she never complained, just went along the daily routine as if he was there . This taught me to be strong and to be independant. Whenever I feel that I have too much work to do , I think of my mother who had to do it alone.

My mother standing beside my father through good times and bad taught me that I was in this marriage for the long haul, and I had to give it my all.

My mothers thirst for knowledge and her love of books made me want to do the same.

The many trips that I took with my mother to visit someone who was sick or who was just down, taught me to be more compassionate, and sensitive to the needs of others.

The many times that she set aside her own worries and problems to listen to mine, has taught me that other people have problems too and that I should take time to listen, and not dwell on my own.

By accepting and facing the many challenges that life presented to her, she made me aware that life has its ups and downs and that I should try to face it with a smile.

BY her life she taught me dignity, respect, confidence, courage, sincerity, and understanding.
I wonder if I will ever be like my mom, she was always doing good deeds, and planting acts of kindness. She gave me roots to grow and wings to fly. I have not followed all the lessons my mother taught me and I have a long way to go, but I try.

There isnt a day that goes by without me thinking of her and wishing she was alive.I want to live my life just like my mom so my children will have lessons to follow.

"THANK YOU MOM FOR EVERYTHING YOU TAUGHT ME, I WANT TO BE LIKE YOU."