Mother’s Day 2009

Growing up as a young child I remember facing many trials and tribulations. Getting my shirt to match my pants, tying my tennis shoes, finding my misplaced Transformers and G.I. Joes, and figuring out how to get the top half of the sandwich to match the bottom part. And no matter what was going on, my Mother was always there to help me make sense of my life.

I grew up as an adventurous boy. Many cuts, scrapes and bruises highlighted my childhood. I watched westerns religiously. On Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at noon, the cowboy shows would start their line up. I would grab my cap gun and excitedly play as The Lone Ranger, one of my favorites, always started the weekend off saving the west with his sidekick Tonto. He rode Silver, the magnificent white stallion. And everyone knew the power of the man that wore the black mask and carried his customized silver bullets in his gun belt. To this day, I still almost believe that the world would be a much safer place if all of our heroes wore these magic bullets next to their six shooters. The Rifleman was on after that followed by Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and wrapping up the dynamite schedule was Alias Smith & Jones, the greatest pair of gun-slinging mischief's ever found on horseback. These were great role models for a young child to look up to.

My parents are to this day the kindest and most sacrificial people I've ever known. They act and live with honor. They do what they say they will. If they make a commitment it is always followed through. My Mom is one that sets an example that I can only hope to compare to. She is a rock. Her faith and love for family is unyielding and something to be admired. As a father I understand the unwavering love for my children that she always seemed to show when I was young. I try to follow her example.There really is something special about mothers. And even though fathers have a special bond also with their children, moms always are the lifeblood of the family. When a child is hurt the mother is desired. Moms have a nesting ability that men are unable to comprehend and will never be able to duplicate. They are soft and gentle. They are the first sign of love that a newborn experiences. They are comfort and light. And my Mom is everything mentioned above and so very much more.

Before my brother and sister and I left the house and began our own lives with our own families, we had to know three things. These three things are the legacy passed from my Mom. First, we had to know how to cook. And not just cook, but cook immaculately well. To this day I rarely require a recipe when cooking even the most difficult of dishes. If I weren't so into electronics I could easily fulfill my life's ambitions by becoming a chef and loving it. The second thing that we had to know was how to do our own laundry. That meant separating out colors, being able to determine correct water temperatures, and after drying them applying the correct amount of starch to iron clothes equal to the quality of the local dry cleaners. And the third thing that we had to know was how to keep our heads cool in chaotic situations. God is in control. Panic has no place in this life. You can't make educated, rational decisions during an emergency if you are consumed with fear. My mother's teachings are vital and are being passed to my children as well as to my brother and sister's children.

A mother is gift and a blessing. I was reminded of that two years ago when my son was being born. After fighting a difficult delivery his heart rate started dropping rapidly. My wife and I grew a bit fearful at one point as his condition greatly worsened. The doctor decided to perform a caesarian to speed the process along. My wife was in a great amount of pain and beginning to slip out of consciousness as we were transferred into surgery from the normal delivery room. I was holding her hand and looking in her beautiful eyes when they started the incision. She repeatedly kept saying to the doctor and the hospital staff, "Save my son. I don't care what happens to me but please, save my son." Tears filled my eyes for the next few minutes, as I knew beyond doubt that she would pass from this world without another thought as long as her son survived. What a love.

I cannot adequately express in words the depth of admiration I hold for these wonderful examples in my life. I hope this day brings blessings and joy to you. Mother's world wide, we honor you. Thank you for loving us so much that you place your families above all else. Happy Mother's Day.