Advertisement But we get off track during the course of daily living and fail to praise and honor our mothers as often as we should. Imperfect as this makes us, it is important to pay full attention on Mother’s Day remembering who ushered us in and/or the person(s) who may have assumed the role of mother.
Mother’s Day is next Sunday, always the second Sunday in May ever since President Woodrow Wilson was authorized by Congress to proclaim it so nationally in 1915. An observance suggested initially by Julia Ward Howe 43 years earlier, many fought to make it happen.
Today I get a little personal about diligent mothering and the lasting impressions it leaves on those being mothered.
My wife of almost 44 years, Betty, who celebrates another 60-something birthday today, is an excellent mother. Her timing into motherhood was almost precise, giving birth to our first son the day before Mother’s Day 1965; our second son the day after Mother’s Day 1968.
I have been awe-struck by Betty’s determination and capability to nurture our sons ... always in positive ways. Proof is in what our sons write in e-mails from distant cities (note the introductory sentence by each).
Son Brett, who turns 42 tomorrow, uses a bit of poetic license: “I love my mom. When I was a child she was my nurse when I was ill, and she wouldn’t get too mad when I would goof around and spill. I would often tell her silly jokes and she would sometimes cure my misbehavior with one or two swift strokes. When I was a teenager I know I cost her sleep. On more than one missed curfew I saw her driving down the street.
“Now those times are over and today I am a man. I’m proud to say that she’s my mother and a very wise friend. She’s a counselor from whom I now often seek advice. She’s a person with whom I share the many ups and downs of life. Although I’m not much of a poet I hope that all will see. Even if no mom is flawless my mom is the perfect mom for me.”
Son Cory, who turns 39 on Mother’s Day, writes: “I love my mom. She is a stereotypical mom in many ways — kind, understanding, supportive, always wanting the best for her boys. What makes my mom stand out in a crowd of other moms is the way she leads by example. Her actions definitely speak louder than her words. The words ‘Show me, do not tell me’ is a good mantra for my mother.
“Whether it was taking care of my brother and I while growing up, getting us through the challenging teenage years or helping us find our ways to become adults, mom has always been there. She has set a great example. I know from her how to be a good parent, spouse, co-worker and human being. Having Betty Olson as a mom is a challenge because she is a hard act to follow. We should all be so lucky!“
Honoring our mother should be a forever thing because we are never sure how long she will be with us.
Less than a month ago, our wonderful 81-year-old neighbor, Shirley Klich, passed away. Her daughter, Barb Loomis of La Crosse, shares:
“Mother’s Day will be different for me this year. I will have an empty feeling of not having my mother anymore to celebrate not only this one day, but also every day. My mom and I worked together for the past 37 years, enjoyed playing golf together, and vacationed together. We were fortunate to spend more time together than most mothers and daughters. My mom and I spent the final two weeks of her life together day and night. As I lay next to her and she took her last breath, I knew she felt very loved and comforted because I was at her side. As a child growing up I felt this same love and comfort; now I am fortunate enough to be able to give back the love she has taught me. As a mother, I hope I have given the love and care to my children that I have received over the years from a very special mother and lady.”
Have you decided how you’re going to honor your mother this Mother’s Day?
Larry Olson can be reached at lolson6311@charter.net or at larry.olson@lacrossetribune.com, or by mail addressed to the La Crosse Tribune, 401 N. Third St., La Crosse, WI 54601.
