Senior Living

Mother’s Day in America began in 1908 in Grafton, WV.

Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother. It was the culmination of a year-long campaign to establish an annual day to honor, in her words, “the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world”.

My mother, Lucille Rayle Williams, died a year and a half ago in Cordova, SC, at the age of 92.

Many of us will remember our mothers this Sunday with great love and appreciation for the many selfless acts of care and nurturing during our formative years and into adulthood. But have you ever thanked mom for all that she did for you?

She found out you were inside of her, gave birth to you and endured those early diaper years of which you have no memory.

Let’s tell mom this year, “There is no way I could possibly thank you enough for all you did for me.”

My mother was an elementary school teacher for over 25 years.

She put all 4 of us kids through college by her devoted work with hundreds of children not her own.

She was creative through music and art and painted thousands of birds, flowers and outdoor scenes. The artistic endeavor I remember most was when she painted a portrait of each of her 30 3rd graders in Orangeburg.

I can remember a few really good teachers I had growing up, but I don’t think I would ever forget the teacher who painted a picture of me just to make me feel special.

Thank you, Mom, for all the love you gave and the great legacy you left behind.

Verse-for-the-week: Ephesians 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother” – the first commandment with a promise – “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Next week: Senior adults go to prison