Mom

I find that as I get further into motherhood, I learn more about my own mom. Especially during those frantic phonecalls: "Mom, Esther just..." or "What do I do about..." And then loving, soothing words from my Mom. Wait, dare I suspect a chuckle in the background? A sort of been there, done that laugh.

But in all seriousness, I'm amazed at how I viewed my mother growing up. She was just Mom. While I loved her and we had fun together, I also saw her as simply the chauffeur, the umpire during fights, a cheerleader, sometimes the "bad guy", cook, and decision maker. How many times did I forget that she was her own person with her own struggles, achievements, and personality? Probably more than I want to remember. As I grow more wise, I also have gotten to know her better as her - not just as my Mom - but as a fellow human being traveling through this journey called life.

We had a lesson on service at church today. I just kept thinking about the amazing example of service my Mom is. I may have already shared this, but it's one of those things that has imprinted itself so deeply on me that it ought to be told again.

When my older brother started a paper route, he met a sweet old couple - the Brizas. She often sent him home with cupcakes and other goodies for his family. How we loved those treats. When my brother went to college, I took over the route and we continued to get to know the Brizas. When I went to college, my Mom took over the route and so the friendship continued. While I was on my mission, Mr. Briza became ill. When he died, my Mom helped with the funeral arrangements as they had no children and not much for close relatives. As Mrs. Briza aged, it was difficult for her to drive and so Mom began taking her to the grocery store and to run other errands. Quickly, she became a surrogate grandmother. Feisty Mrs. Briza was the one who insisted that's what she be! I am still amazed at how much time Mom spent taking her around town and helping at her house.

Mrs. Briza became ill shortly after I was first married. In fact, my wedding day was the last day I saw her. We all mourned her greatly when she passed away. Appointed as Mrs. Briza's executor of her will, Mom took care of funeral arrangments, emptying her house, helping get it ready to sell, and doing work with her attorney to finalize her wishes. It took a few years of work for everything to be finished.

A family friendship became something even deeper because of the service that Mom gave to the Brizas. I am humbled by Mom's example of service. And this wasn't a one time thing. There are others that she has been serving for years and spends much time with their needs. Not to mention the many trips to see us kids and grandchildren, care packages sent our way, hours on the phone listening to her children and giving needed advice.

Whereas when I was a teenager, I didn't always want to be like my Mom - now I do! I hope to grow up to be like her!

I love you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day!