My Mother

There are some people in this world who always think of others, rather them themselves. My mother is one such person. Over the years, I have watched her do for others in her family, always being there to bring a meal when one of them is sick, or run errands for them, or take them to doctor’s appointments.

I have watched her take care of her own mentally handicapped brother for over 30 years when no one else in the family wanted to step up. Even though doing so put her through hell sometimes due to his behavior, she continued to be his advocate, always trying to find the best place for him and have him in a place that he could get himself turned around.

She took care of her ailing parents, going to see them every day, making sure the nursing facility was taking care of them as they should in their final days. Because of her, their last days were happy ones.

She has always been there for me in times of need, ready to listen, ready to offer help, ready to support me in everything my sister and I wanted to do. Her life wasn’t easy and she worked for over 25 years at a very physically tiring job as a housekeeper to keep food on the table and clothes on our backs, when my step father wouldn’t work.

She has helped out at her church, brightening people’s lives with her smile and encouraging words; She has volunteered to do things for the church, even when she was tired, and not feeling well herself. My mother is a wonderful grandmother, doing things with her grandchildren and making memories for them that will last a lifetime. She tries to encourage them and make sure they know she loves them.

She is the rock that many of her family and friends lean on, always being there to comfort in times of stress, support them when they aren’t feeling good and she prays tirelessly for everyone she knows. She is truly a special soul that is rare these days in a world of “me, me, me”

I admire her and the things I’ve witnessed her do over the years have taught me a lot about working hard, being loving, trying hard and being there for others. Even though things were difficult between us for a long while, I still always had admiration for what I saw her do for others, and it has rubbed off on me, because I love to help others as well. She’s been a big influence in my life and I am honored to have her as a mother.