Everyday and especially on Mother’s Day, I thank God for my mother. I have learned many lessons from Mom that have served me well throughout my fifty-two years of life.
- The importance of education. When I was two, my father was stationed in Okinawa for a year. My mother moved me and my sisters, ages 4, 1, and 6 weeks, to North Carolina from California so that she could finish her college degree. I can only imagine how challenging that year must have been for her. The move itself was quite an adventure, as she flew across country with four preschoolers in tow.
- The importance of family. Mom devoted herself to our family. With nine children, including one special needs child, there was always a lot of work. Yet it was a common occurrence for us to arrive home to the delicious aromas of home-baked bread or a made-from-scratch chocolate cake. She made sure we had home-cooked meals, clean clothes, and her attention when we needed it.
A love of reading. We had lots of books in our home, and mom liked to read to us. I can still remember her reading “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” and “That Quail Robert” to us when I was in elementary school. My sisters and I are avid readers, and my children have inherited the love of reading as well.- Responsibility. As the second of nine children, I was expected to help out with the younger children. I was well prepared to care for my own children when the time came.
- Dependability. I can count on one hand, with fingers left over, the number of times I came home from school to find that mom was not there. On one occasion, she got held up while shopping and arrived home about two minutes after we did. On the other occasion, she was at the emergency room with a younger brother who’d been injured.
The joy of sewing. When we were small, mom sewed a lot of our clothes, as well as costumes. I still remember the Red Riding Hood cape she made Jeanne and the purple floral jumper she made me when I was in first grade. When I was in high school, she taught me to sew. I’ve made some clothes, but my real joy has been in making costumes for my own children and uniforms for girls in my Missionettes clubs.- Security. Mom came from a broken home, and she was determined that her children would have the security of parents who stuck it out through thick and thin. She and Dad don’t always see eye-to-eye, but they’re still together and in love after 55 years of marriage.
- The need for a Savior. Mom accepted Jesus as her Savior when I was about 7. She instilled in each of her children the need to know Jesus. She taught us that we are all sinners in need of forgiveness, which can only come through the blood of Christ.
Thanks, Mom. Happy Mother’s Day!
Susan's Reflections 
very interesting story Susan.. Happy Mother Day To You!! Will you please tell your MOM that Leslea and Tom say “Happy Mother Day”
Thank you, Leslea. I will send your good wishes to Mom. I hope you have a Happy Mother’s Day, also.
Was your Dad in the Korean war, Susan? My Dad was – and I believe he was in Okinawa, too. Lovely tribute. Happy Mother’s Day.
~ Lenore
Happy Mother’s Day, Lenore. Dad joined the Marine Corps while in college. He went in full-time in 1955 after graduating. He did not serve in Korea; however, he was in Vietnam and served two tours in Okinawa during his 26 years of active duty.