Mother, This is For You

By: Kimberly Salter

        In life we are able to see things from different points of view. As little kids we'll always remember our first teddy bear. As a teenager we will remember the first album we got. And so on. But never do we realize the fragile moments of life than when we see our parents' age. Now that you are older and have your own family, time seems to jet past you quicker than lightning. My mother lives far away. She is alone, having lost her husband in death many years ago. Still striving to remain independent, and fully able to, she embraces life in a wonderful way. My mother has been my best friend, my teacher, and has showed me things that only a mother can. She taught me how to be strong and creative. But most of all, she taught me how to live. No matter what we are faced with, we hold to one simple truth: "Mom will always love us"!

        As a little girl I was happy and bouncy and I loved my mother more than life itself! She was beautiful and talented. I was her biggest fan and never found anything she couldn't do. Blessed with an incredible voice, she would sing and entertain us. Music was always in our life. When we worked we sang, when we were sad, we sang, when we were happy, we sang. It was a good release and a way we could share something very precious. I love to hear the old standards. When the music begins, it's as if I am teleported to a very special time. You can hear the people in the room and smell the perfume, so aromatic. You get to go there again and again. That's the nice thing about memories, you have them forever to bring you joy and remind you of the deep family ties. 

        The life lessons we are taught, we will have forever too. Mothers are the primary ones that instill them into us. They teach us how to be loving, honest, loyal, hard working and, how the simple things in life, can be more enjoyable than anything money could by. The little assurances she gives, the hug at just the right time and "OH", how she believes in you! It gives you reason to continue on to the next step in life. She is your "Champion"! Defending you in battles of right and wrong. I remember one time when I was very small, a bully was bothering me and I chirped up and said: "Don't mess with me, my Mom won't stand for it"! Of course with all bullies, they have to think that one over. It worked for a time. Just long enough for me to grow and take care of matters myself. But you know what? I knew my MOM would back me up! No matter what! 

        I guess you could say I lived a charmed life in that, never once did I ever question whether my mom loved or wanted me. She wanted a big family. She loved her "babies". I think that label will stay with me always because; I am the baby in the family. To appreciate life in such a complete way, what a wonderful example! I hear stories of women giving their children away or not wanting them. This hurts my heart. To those who have been on the receiving end of such a tragedy, I am truly sorry. I wish you could have had my Mom too! You would believe any thing is possible; it just takes work and fortitude. She would have comforted you when you were sick and praised you when you did well. 

        I wasn't a perfect child, but who is? Happy most of the time, it was a joy to put a smile on my Mother's face. To make her happy was to have lived a full day. It's a crime that many people forget the love and nurturing they received as a child. When I see a kid be disrespectful or mouthy to their mom, I just wanna, well, wake them up so they could really see the incredible person that stands before them! The years and hours of sacrifice just to make sure you have a life! To provide the everyday needs of your very special existence. Annually, there is "one" day set aside to remember your mother. It's sad, many feel this is the only time to send something or call her. I celebrate every day I'm alive for the woman that bore me! I am who I am because of her. Everything I have become started with her. She was the one who encouraged me to finish school. She was the one who showed me that life is what you make of it no matter what your circumstances. She's the one who, no matter how old you get, will be the one you go to for comfort and advise. 

        We must seize every opportunity to let our "Parents" know how much we love and appreciate them. How thankful we are for them having us and giving us the opportunity of life. And, that all their efforts and sacrifices are ones that we will never forget. There will come a day when you won't have them with you and you have no idea the sorrow you will feel if you let them go, without knowing how incredibly happy you are to have had them in your life. 

        Parents age with us. We think they stay the same. I know I never aged my mother from the time I was in high school. She just was always able to be there and comfort me. Now, she is still there for me and I get to comfort her sometimes too. So Mom, I just want you to know; "I'm your Champion" now and will always be there for you! You never let me down and I hope I have made you happy in your life. Because you have made me very proud and happy to have you as my Mom!