For my Mom!

As I begin to write this, I am reminded of a famous song by Jimmy Osmond which I'd listened to as a boy on the radio. He had sung sometime way back in the 60's, a song called "Mother of Mine". Mothers are precious and there can be no words to express our gratitude for all they have done. As the world observed the Mother's Day I spent the day thinking of all that my mother means to me.


Difficult childbirth - My birth was difficult and sudden. I was born fourth and the youngest, premature at just over 7 months. My condition was so bad that my father was not allowed to even see me for nearly a week. My parents were not that educated, rich or influential to find out from the doctor, the medical details of my condition. They say that I looked a little larger than a "Barbie doll". I had tiny hands and tiny feet and my mother recalls her first prayer for me. She had prayed, "Lord, I wish you help my child live, and if he lives, help him to live long and well". And so here I am still alive and I owe it to Mom's first prayer.

Bible Stories - As I was growing up she would sit me down as she worked in the kitchen and keep me engaged with her Bible stories that she would narrate so beautifully. All characters starting from Noah, Joseph, Samuel, David, Daniel, Samson from the Old Testament to the prodigal in the New Testament came alive as she narrated. I would make her repeat the stories and she would only be glad to do so 'one more time!'. Whatever little knowledge I have of the Bible now, I owe it to Mom.

Sickness - As difficult as my birth, was my childhood as I would fall sick very frequently. I grew up battling sinusitis and asthma for many years. The asthma attacks occurred mostly in the nights or the wee hours when everyone was fast asleep. Hence I would try to resist my cough for fear of waking someone up. But somehow I would always find Mom always beside me by the time I had coughed thrice. While I sat on a couch propped with cushions, she would sit beside me,  sacrificing her sleep, nursing me through the night. She never slept till I slept. If I can breathe well now I owe it to Mom.

Patience - When I reached adolescence, like every boy, I became rebellious. I did everything my parents disliked; I would play my music loud while Mom would want some silence. In spite of everything she did for me, my efforts to help her were not as much. She patiently put up with me through all my rebellion and disobedience. She would stay awake until I got back home, sometimes very late. To me she is a tower of patience. She never gave up on me. Times changed and when I came to my senses I felt so bad for those moments when I had slighted her. Nevertheless, a mother's heart always goes out for her child and Mom was no different. She has always waited for me patiently. Now with distance separating us, going home has become less frequent, so when I call her she always asks me, "When are you coming home?" She still waits for me. If you found a little patience in me I owe it all to Mom.

Strong hands - Mom grew up in tough circumstances which made her develop a die hard attitude to life in the face of tough times. She is always determined  and never wastes her time. She works hard with her hands and I know she has strong hands. Never have I seen her idling her time away. If ever she took some rest it was a short nap while seated in her chair, after everyone had had their lunch. If I have a little bit of determination to face life in spite of adversity, I owe it all to Mom.

Praying - Most of all she was a praying mother. Before everyone is awake she is up and on her knees. I can say this with confidence that not a day has she failed to pray for me and I know she will always. It started at that difficult moment of my birth and it has continued ever since. I know I can face each day with confidence knowing that Mom has remembered me in her prayers. If you have known me as someone prayerful, I owe it all to Mom.

Mom may not be a perfect person. But, to me she will always be precious and I love her more than I can say. Mother of mine, stay blessed always and there is no way I can repay your love for me which is priceless.

Ma, I love you very dearly and pray that the Lord will grant you long life and good health!!!