Mama was born and raised in Caroline, County Virginia and after her father died when she was nineteen, she left and went to New York to work as a domestic. She was never ashamed of her early work and told my two foster sisters and I detailed and exciting stories about life in the big city.She and my father often laughed at how he fell in love with her voice after she returned to Richmond. She later became a beautician and a pastor's wife. With all of her roles, she was always a mother first. She loved us and set strict guidelines. She was in charge of the house and made sure that everything and everybody had a part to play. We had dinner on week nights and 6:00, sharp and not only sat and ate together, but also talked together. Those kitchen conversations covered almost every imaginable topic and we were free to ask any question and were always given a a thoughtful and truthful answer. In many ways she was ahead of her time. She has been gone for thirty-five years now and I often wonder what she would think of the world today.
As you celebrate this Mother's Day, spend some time with your mother, if she is still with you and if she is not take some time to reflect on the influence she had in your life. But as we look back, also look ahead. Take the time to offer an encouraging word to a young mother today. Times were much simpler when I was growing up, than they are today. Being a mother today is a far different experience than it was in the 1950s, with its challenges and distractions.
I have some final advice for all mothers. Motherhood is hard work and there will be times when you are not sure if you are doing the right thing. Children grow up and change so quickly. Relax and enjoy as many of the moments that you can. There will be good days and bad days, days that you feel confident and days you will feel inadequate. But no matter what, keep the faith, trust God and do your best, that's all He requires of us anyway.
Have a Blessed and Happy Mother's Day.