A Tribute to My Mother by Mark

What is like a mother's love? Almost indescribable. Today it appeared Mom began the final lap of her earthly sojourn. Several nurses at NHC affirmed that Mom's journey had entered the final leg. My brother asked me if I desired a private moment with our mother. I said I would and drew the door to a close. It has only been 50 days since our father passed away into glory. "God, I need to be honest with you. It has only been seven weeks since Papa went home to be with you. It seems so soon to say good-bye to Mom." I went to Mom's bedside and sat on the edge of her bed. I touched those soft hands and thought of so many pleasant memories. I cried not out of hopeless sadness, but with those rich tears of having had such a loving and supportive mom. She was beautiful, vivacious, funny, hospitable, very friendly, and spiritual. In our family we talked about virtually anything and everything, thanks to her. She taught us how to show interest in others and the fine art of conversation.

Proverbs 31 is, of course, the reading for today if you cycle through reading a chapter a day during each month. It commends the godly woman who through her wise and noble character builds her family and points to a great God who is worth the sacrificial offering of our lives. Mom modeled this chapter by loving Dad through twenty two years of Parkinson's. She met her goal of helping him cope with its difficulties until he crossed the finish line. And she accomplished this with humor and Christ-like dignity.

Tonight, Mom, we rise up and bless you as your children. You have lived and loved well. "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised (Prov. 31:30)."