Do you have a great mom? I have a great Mom. She is probably a lot like most moms. I think some of the talents that moms have aren't even given to them until they get the title 'Mom.' I think I was about 4 years old when I realized that my Mom could fix anything. If ever Barbie's head fell off, my mom was always able to put it back on. Somehow, in my child's eye, that kind of ability was not normal. And even now, if the seam of a favorite blouse comes undone, my Mom can sew it up. Granted, I didn't know my mom before she was a mom. Maybe it is just wishful thinking. Because I am not yet a mom and I don't have those talents, I like to think I'll suddenly become endowed with them when I become a mom. I'm a little envious actually. Because, really, aren't there some things that only your mom can do right? Even something as simple as cutting apples! No matter how deftly I try to quarter and core and apple, it never turns out the way that it does when Mom does it. Not to mention, the way she makes the bed. How does she make that folded corner of the blanket look so inviting? It's like the bed is saying, "Welcome home, Juline. You look exhausted! Come and take a little nap." I am sure I sleep better after my mom has made the bed compared to when I do.
 |
| Mom, and our family's most recent addition. |
If anyone ever has exciting news to share or an announcement to make, she is likely to pull out her air microphone, and (to my secret delight) insist that you speak in it. She never cries when she's sad, but tends to be really emotional whenever she hears primary children singing. (Her favorite song is "Scripture Powe.r") You can catch her often talking or humming to herself. She has a different tone in her voice for every person who calls on the telephone. It's easy to identify who's on the other line as soon as she says, "Hello." If it's one of her children the first few lines usually sound something like this: "Juline! How are you? I've been waiting all day for you to call me!"
She's the type of person who can make you feel special even if the moment before you talked with her you felt like the world's biggest failure. Because, to her, you are really special. And to her, you are smart, and you are good, and you are "just the most darling girl in the world." But she's not afraid of putting you in your place every now and again either. Does she sound like your mom yet? I want to say thanks to all moms, but especially to my mom, who is one of my best friends and my greatest teacher. So, Paula Hinckley Wadsworth, for always putting Barbie's head back on, for talking to me on the phone, for sewing my prom dress in one night, for your testimony and commitment to Jesus Christ, and most of all for living your life for others. I love you, Mom!
