Happy Mother’s Day to millions of mothers today!

For several years I have tried to figure out motherhood. When I was pregnant with my first son, my husband was finishing his last year of college at Texas Christian University. We lived in Dallas, Texas, and drove 30 miles twice a week to Fort Worth in the evenings so he could attend classes at the University.

While Neal was in classes, I studied in the library, reading every book I could get my hands on about pregnancy and babies. I was sure that by the time our baby was born, I would have all the answers I needed for years to come.

Finally, I came upon a book written by one of the world’s leading experts on motherhood, Erma Bombeck. She put it all in perspective when she said, “One thing they never tell you about child raising is that for the rest of your life, at the drop of a hat, you are expected to know your child’s name and how old he or she is.” Thank you, Erma. Someone finally said it.

Son number two came along and soon we were at little league baseball games, enjoying sports for years. One question Erma brought up was, “Who in their infinite wisdom decreed that Little League uniforms be white? Certainly not a mother.” Mothers are why Clorox bleach has stayed in business so long.

Then son number three arrived, and I remembered Erma’s suggestion on how many children one should have, “It goes without saying that you should never have more children than you have car windows.” It sounded good to me.

So, here is my question to the mothers of the world, “Why try to figure out motherhood?” It is the most demanding, exhausting, and wonderful self-discovering journey in the world. With every sleepless night when they are babies, every sleepless night when they are teens, and every sleepless night when they leave home and you don’t know what is going on with them, you never get over being a mother. Special moments in life morph into memories you never forget. I can truly say that the greatest lessons I have learned in life have come from being a mother.

Motherhood teaches you to turn the tears into laughter, to turn the hurts into smiles, and to always know that tomorrow will be a better day.

Our nation was built through the strength of mothers helping nurture  children into fine young men and women. I am proud of all three of my sons and their sense of justice and caring for people who need a helping hand.

So mothers, wherever you are, enjoy your day. You deserve all good things that come your way.

Have a blessed day!

Thought for Today:

“Children make your life important.”—Erma Bombeck

Live life,

Janelle

Let’s Talk: What special life lesson has motherhood taught you?