Happy Mother’s Day, y’all!

The following little story was sitting in a file collecting dust. So I thought today was the perfect day to share it with the world. It’s reflections of my mom’s character. I’m so blessed to have her!

Caretaker of Many

"Could you please help me get my arm in this sleeve?"  her mother asked.

"Yes, momma," the little girl hurried to lend a helping hand, knowing that her mother would never get her arm through that sleeve without her assistance.

From the time she was nine years old, my Mom has taken care of others, starting with her mother (my grandmother).  For a while, grandma couldn’t dress herself because she wasn’t able to use one of her arms–it was crippled with arthritis.

So, at the age of nine, my mom had the chore of getting up early in the morning, getting her mother dressed and making sure she was taken care of, seeing to breakfast, then dressing herself and walking to school.  That’s a lot of responsibility for a little girl. Mom was responsible – even back then, in her tiny body.

When I’ve asked mom how she did all those things as a young girl, she simply shrugs her shoulders and replies, "Mom needed me and I just did what had to be done."

That’s the way mom lives her life, always doing what needs to be done.

It was inevitable that mom would become a nurse. It seemed to be what she did best.  She was all smiles when she passed her tests and became a C.N.A. (certified nurses aid).  Her dream was to follow her heart and be an R.N., but that dream would never come true.  Not technically anyways.  She actually never stopped being a nurse, she just didn’t advance like other nurses – with raises in pay and seniority in the workplace.

Instead, mom continued to tend those closest to her heart.  Grandma repeatedly needed help throughout mom’s youth, and adult life.  Everything from paying the bills and understanding important paperwork because my grandma couldn’t read or write that well–she only had a second grade education–to rides to the grocery store or doctor (grandma never drove).

Of course, mom ran several businesses with my dad and dabbled in real estate for awhile, revamping old houses and renting them out.  But mom has always spent her time on others, never begrudging the fact that she couldn’t just steal away and find solace in a day to herself.  She’d never think of being “selfish” in that way.

As my grandma grew older, her health steadily declined until she eventually needed around-the-clock care.  Mom stepped up and called a family meeting.  "We’re moving grandma in with us," she told everyone.  Of course, everyone was in agreement.

I was living a few hours away, so mom ended up spending countless sleepless nights making sure grandma was ok.  She loved to dote on the precious lady who brought her into this world. 

She never complained that the load was too heavy, never grumbled she’d rather be doing something else.  Always with a shining smile on her face, mom did what she did best: take care of others.

As mom continued giving grandma 24/7 care, yet another situation arose.  I had to move back home after barely surviving domestic violence.  I was so badly beaten and had such neurological damage, that at times I wasn’t able to walk, much less care for myself.  Still smiling, mom was right there loving and nurturing me all the way. 

"You’ll get better, you’ll see!"  Mom would encourage me. 

I admire the positive attitude and strength she has….

Already caring for the two of us, mom was astounded when a phone call came the same night that a tornado had swept across our property (thank heavens it left us unscathed!).
Pale faced, mom slowly placed the phone back on the receiver.  Gulping, she said, "Dad’s been in a horrific semi accident.  He’s alive, but the paramedics took him to the hospital." 

Lightening flashed outside illuminating the room where we all sat silently pondering the outcome.  We knew dad would have to be tended as well.

For many, this news would have been the "straw that broke the camel’s back" as the old saying goes. But not for mom.  With her backbone of steel (as I like to say), she stood beneath the weight of this tragedy and began to nurse dad as well.

The journey was so long and dark.  Looking back, I just don’t know how we made it.  I mean, with three people needing so much attention…. Doctor appointments had to be kept, surgeries were needed, food to be prepared, laundry still had to be done, dishes that never ceased…. the bills were astronomical… And through it all, mom never stopped home-schooling my little brother or taking him for the weekly piano lessons he wanted. 

Just one petite lady accomplished so very much!

So many times, my faith wavered. It’s sad, but I admit it.  Mom, on the other hand, never stopped believing everything would be alright.  She always knew we would come out of all the tragedy and trials as victorious winners.  Mom’s faith is rock solid.

Mom always believed dad would live.  She always knew I would make it too.  "You will live and not die!" she often quoted one of her favorite bible passages.  I’m so thankful mom never gave up.

With grandma’s age and ill health, it was just a known fact she wouldn’t live forever.  Grandma left this life in 2000, but she’s never left our hearts.

Mom was right.  Dad lived, although his quality of life will never be the same.  He’s breathing and has come through numerous surgeries and heart attacks.  Mom successfully home schooled my brother all the way through high school.  He graduated an honor roll student!

And as my brother loves to say: It’s always darkest, just before dawn.

As for me, I’ve lost over 100 pounds and am doing quite well in my new life as the writer I always wanted to be.  Dreams do come true, sometimes just in a different way than you had imagined. 

Mom will always be a nurse, whether she’s tending a sick or injured loved one, or counseling someone’s hurting soul.  She is more than a caretaker of many, though, she is a huge inspiration to countless people.

And she’s still taking care of people. Some call her momma, others call her Herb Lady.

I call her a true hero; she is breathtakingly amazing!

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! I love you!!!

(I was about two years old in this family photo.)

I hope you have a wonderful mother to celebrate Mother’s Day with. If you do, you are truly blessed – so please let her know it! And if you don’t have a wonderful mother to honor today, I pray that you at least have cherished memories to reflect on and share with your family!! Much love to you all!!