The Day of Our Mothers

In 1915 Mother’s Day became an official holiday. The second Sunday in May became the day we pay homage to the one that gave birth to us.

Image courtesy: valueflora.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Recently, while preparing to move to another apartment, I came across a letter I had written to my mother in May 1991 while living in Fairbanks, Alaska. She resided in Mill City, Oregon, with my stepfather. While re-reading this letter, I realized just how tenuous life is and that even mothers are not around forever, as mine succumbed to cancer on January 8th, 1998. There is not a day goes by that I don’t think about her and at times start to reach for the phone to call and talk with her.

I want to share my letter with you as I think that it could apply to almost any mother, especially those who have been faced with many life difficulties and challenges. Our family’s difficult times were the result of my father suddenly having a massive heart attack and dying at the young age of 34, leaving behind his wife, age 32, and three children ages 13, 8, and six months. I hope you enjoy this and that it will inspire you to sit down and write a letter to your mother.

A Letter to my Mother

Almost forty-nine years ago you gave birth to a squally, chubby, dark-haired little girl – ME! I sometimes wonder what life would have been like without the parents I chose, but I do know I would have been very disappointed in God had I not been given my choice.

Sometimes, Mom, I wonder how you made it through the hard times we had, but it was only because of you that we did. You always kept us together even though some members of the family, through good and loving intentions, offered to take us kids so you wouldn’t have the burden. You may not realize I knew this but I do know you did not separate us. I’m not writing this letter to bring up all the memories of the sometimes hurting past, but I am writing this to let you know how much I admire and respect you – and above all love you! You were always there for us, and I know there were times when your heart was breaking because of what we kids did (I know because my heart has been broken many times by my children) but love always came through and that is what prevailed.

You know, Mom, I don’t think I would be the person I am now if it hadn’t been for you. You allowed me the chance to leave at an early age, much to your dismay, and marry my soldier man. I made some promises I know wasn’t kept – like finishing school, but through all the mistakes I made, you were always there for me. You never pointed a finger of blame, nor made me feel like the biggest dope in the world. At times you even wanted to shoulder all the blame yourself by thinking you were never able to give or do enough for us kids. Well, you did all you could do at the time, which was just love us. Believe me that was plenty.

Many Mother’s Days have passed and cards have been sent but this year I just wanted to tell you in my own words how much you mean to me. You are the reflection of me, my point of being, and an essence of spirit that flows from you, through me, through my children and will continue on through their children – a chain never to be broken.

I may not be close to you in the physical sense, but I want you to know I am always with you in spirit and heart. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day and in less than two months I will be home to see you.

I love you.
Always, Your daughter

If you have a story you would like to share concerning your mother, please send it to Salem-News.com.

Other links concerning Mother’s Day:

• mothersday.about.com
• wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother's_Day
• history.com
• advancedhealthplan.com
• festivals.iloveindia.com