I understand a mother's love in two ways. I was incredibly blessed to have an amazing mom who showered me with affection and unconditional love for as far back as I can remember...and still to this day. I also came to understand that love from her perspective the moment I found out I was pregnant with Garrison. I was blessed enough to be able to experience it in a totally different way, but still just as powerfully, when I first laid eyes on Ethan.
I hope I can put this into words. I was having dinner with a friend tonight. I have known this woman for a long, long time but we just recently became close. She is an incredible soul with an unshakeable faith and a very strong heart for Jesus. She has two beautiful daughters... I mean, take your breath away beautiful! Every time I watch her with her daughters I feel her love for them. I know that every mom loves their kids but her love is almost tangible, if that makes sense. She loves them so fiercely and passionately you can see it in her eyes. It's just an amazing thing to witness.
I still want my mom when I'm sick and I crave the comfort of her
rubbing my back or just sitting with me until I fall asleep. I know that when I am in pain my mom is in pain. I can hear it in her voice, see it in her eyes, feel it in the air. A mother's love never ends. I hope that my love for my boys is tangible like that. I hope they can literally feel the love I have for them. And I hope that one day when they are older they continue to feel that love, because I know it will never end.
Here is one of my favorite pictures of me and my mom.
I found this poem and I think it is so fitting for this post.
A Mother's Love
A Mother's love is something
that no on can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendored miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.
~Helen Steiner Rice
Jewels*
I've gone back and read this post a couple of times. I just have to tell you how much this means to me. It's hard being a mom - you know this. You have to make decisions constantly for your family, and all you can do is hope and pray that they are God ordained decisions...and you didn't screw anyone up. I appreciate, more than you know, you acknowledging that. If I was to give out a "mother of the year" award, it would be to you, though. After seeing you as a mom through the eyes of a teacher and mom, you take the cake! Seriously. I've learned some things from you. Thank you for being awesome and a Christ-like example in my life! Love you, friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jen! That is so very sweet!
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