Five Moms

On this eve of the day we celebrate mothers I cannot help but to think about 5 mothers that I know and love. The five begins with my own mom; the balance is the daughters she gave birth to, each one having gone from being mom’s daughter to becoming mothers of their own.

Mom also had two sons, me and the other one. Sorry Mike today is about the women who influenced our early years.

It would be quite simple to list the platitudes that describe Mom and my sisters. Being a Mom brings with it many adjectives, most now cliches. I looked at dozens of Mother’s Day cards today to find the one that is just right for Mom. The cards are all filled with phrases and words like, “the best”, “most loving”, “caring”, “sweet” and “amazing”.  There is no doubt that these 5 moms would meet the criteria of these motherly words. But there is so much more than that.

I would be remiss if I didn’t introduce them to you; there is Mom, Sandy, Cindy, Janet and Sue. A house full of children may or may not have been in the plans but that's  what Mom got. What she did with it is what is so amazing.

Dad was a non-commissioned officer in the Air Force. Another way of saying that would be— we had very little money! But Mom always managed to make sure we had what we needed, and on special occasion she would somehow manage to provide what we wanted.  Mom shared her love for God with us in an unobtrusive manner; we knew she loved Him even if we didn’t understand why. The results, each Wednesday evening she hosts our family bible study in her home, where her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren gather for a time of fellowship. For more than 55 years she has served her role as “Mom” and still sees her children each week, still concerned that we have what we need  or want. More importantly she taught us to recognize the difference. What an incredible woman. What an incredible Mom.

Sandy is her eldest daughter. The character of Mom can be seen in Sandy’s life every day. She raised three children of her own facing the same type of adversities that Mom faced. Even in hard times she manages a smile. If any small child reaches up towards her they will surely be picked up and held close to her heart, a mother's heart. Today she cares for her grandchildren, influencing their lives by sharing the love she has for Christ with them. Incredible Mom #2.

Cindy was the first daughter to become a mother. In all she would give birth to and raise three children. She did this while at the same time being the constant in the Hirtle family. In a family as large as mine it seems that there is always someone facing a problem, Cindy is the one we turn to. In a storm she knows how to right the ship. She cares about our needs before her own. And she did all this, being a taxi, a mediator or just a friend, while raising her children, never missing a step. Incredible Mom #3.

Janet is mini-Mom. I don’t know if she realizes how much like our Mom she really is. Her motherly love extends well beyond her own two sons. She has opened her home to more grandchildren than I think she actually has. It seemed for a long time that each time I visited her home there would be a new face that needed washing or a peck on the cheek. I often wondered if she had secret rooms somewhere, how anyone could make room for so many people. But if you watch her from across the room as she stands over a hot stove making supper for an army, you will see on her face a love that can only come from Christ. Incredible Mom #4.

Sue was Mom’s baby girl. She went home to be with our Lord five years ago. If there was only one adjective used to describe moms it would be servant. My baby sister Sue was the epitome of servant. Not only to guests in her home but to her own two children. I don’t know if you realize how difficult a task this is to accomplish, not being a servant to your children but having a servant’s heart. She faced adversities that others haven’t and always managed somehow to smile. It is her smile that her children inherited. Incredible Mom #4.

Describing these five women’s motherly achievement could go on and on. I probably haven’t told them enough how great I think they are.

The common thread they share is what makes them truly incredible Moms. All the other things are beautiful and important, but without this last ingredient they would be just Moms.

The common thread, the last ingredient—they were there.

From the moment her child entered this scary world, sucking in its first breath in order to release its first cry, she was there. When they fell down and scraped a knee, she was there. When the storms woke them up to scary bedroom shadows, she was there. When they fell in love for the first time, she was there. When their hearts broke, she was there. When they talked back, when they slammed doors, she was there. When they waved good-bye on their way to being all grown up, she was there.

These 5 Moms have always been there.

Happy Mother’s Day.