Vicki in her "pre-mom" days.As many of you know, this Sunday is Mother's Day. Although it was celebrated on a local and state level as early as the 1860's, Mother's Day was officially recognized for the first time when on May 9, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation, declaring the first national Mother's Day as a day for Americans to show the flag in honor of those mothers whose sons had died while serving their country in U.S. wars.
My mother died on March 14, 1993, about eight weeks shy of her 64th birthday of May 8th. Because Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday in May, my mom's birthday occasionally fell on Mother's Day. As a kid I remember that to her Mother's Day was far more important to her than her birthday. She successfully raised four sons, who collectively managed to turn her hair completely grey by the time she was forty years old. She loved us all in spite of the torture we put her through. We loved her, too, and we miss her.
As is my custom, each year when Vicki asks me what I plan to get her for Mother's Day I tell her nothing - she's not my mother. But, she is the mother of our daughters, Bethany and Kayla, so maybe I should reconsider how I approach Mother's Day. . . maybe next year. But in the meantime I can at least reflect on the tremendous job she did raising our kids. They are both outstanding young women. They are kind, respectful of others, and compassionate. they are solid Christians. Vicki taught them to be that way. They both aspire to be mothers themselves one day. They'll be great moms. They learned all the tricks from a great role model.
You see, all Vicki ever wanted to be was a mother. Oh sure, she's a college graduate and she spent a few years "working outside the home", but that was just to kill time until she got her promotion to what she really wanted to do, or more correctly, to what she really wanted "to be." I'm an okay dad, but Vicki is an unbelievable mom. Just ask our girls. Now that they're grown up and married and living away from us it's easy to tell how much they still depend on her. They call me every week or so - maybe - usually to ask about how to fill out their W-4 form or how to strip an old piece of furniture. They call Vicki every day, and usually more than once. I don't always know what they talk about, but I know it's always important to them.
I found a good description of Vicki in Proverbs 31:10-31. It's actually a description of a good wife, but with a few minor tweaks it's also a good description of a great mom - Vicki.
A mother of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her daughters have full confidence in her
and lack nothing of value.
She brings them good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects what's good for them
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing them what they need from afar.
She gets them up for school while it is still dark;
she provides breakfast for them and encouragement for their day.
She sets about her work vigorously;
and she is always strong for her tasks.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes her daughters' beds when they forget;
and they are covered with clean sheets and comforters.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her daughters arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her.
"Many mothers do noble things,
but she surpasses them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but she fears the LORD and is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her the praise and gratitude she deserves.
My mother died on March 14, 1993, about eight weeks shy of her 64th birthday of May 8th. Because Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday in May, my mom's birthday occasionally fell on Mother's Day. As a kid I remember that to her Mother's Day was far more important to her than her birthday. She successfully raised four sons, who collectively managed to turn her hair completely grey by the time she was forty years old. She loved us all in spite of the torture we put her through. We loved her, too, and we miss her.
As is my custom, each year when Vicki asks me what I plan to get her for Mother's Day I tell her nothing - she's not my mother. But, she is the mother of our daughters, Bethany and Kayla, so maybe I should reconsider how I approach Mother's Day. . . maybe next year. But in the meantime I can at least reflect on the tremendous job she did raising our kids. They are both outstanding young women. They are kind, respectful of others, and compassionate. they are solid Christians. Vicki taught them to be that way. They both aspire to be mothers themselves one day. They'll be great moms. They learned all the tricks from a great role model.
You see, all Vicki ever wanted to be was a mother. Oh sure, she's a college graduate and she spent a few years "working outside the home", but that was just to kill time until she got her promotion to what she really wanted to do, or more correctly, to what she really wanted "to be." I'm an okay dad, but Vicki is an unbelievable mom. Just ask our girls. Now that they're grown up and married and living away from us it's easy to tell how much they still depend on her. They call me every week or so - maybe - usually to ask about how to fill out their W-4 form or how to strip an old piece of furniture. They call Vicki every day, and usually more than once. I don't always know what they talk about, but I know it's always important to them.
I found a good description of Vicki in Proverbs 31:10-31. It's actually a description of a good wife, but with a few minor tweaks it's also a good description of a great mom - Vicki.
A mother of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her daughters have full confidence in her
and lack nothing of value.
She brings them good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects what's good for them
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing them what they need from afar.
She gets them up for school while it is still dark;
she provides breakfast for them and encouragement for their day.
She sets about her work vigorously;
and she is always strong for her tasks.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes her daughters' beds when they forget;
and they are covered with clean sheets and comforters.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her daughters arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her.
"Many mothers do noble things,
but she surpasses them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but she fears the LORD and is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her the praise and gratitude she deserves.
Happy Mother's Day Vicki!
Even if you're not my mother.
