I had lunch with my mother yesterday. My mother is a remarkable woman. She is from a small Texas town and married into a wealthy Dallas family. Although she never was forced to work, she spent 40 years serving a local non-profit organization as a counselor and philanthropist. She is a devoted wife, loyal friend, successful business woman, and leader in her community. However, she would say her greatest accomplishment is successfully raising three children.

We talked over a plate of enchiladas, and my mother inquired about my career, my children, my friends, and my husband. As I provided the report, I was fascinated by her sincere interest in all of my encounters. Her questions, her expressions, and her willingness to simply listen reminded me that a mother's passion for her child is unending. In fact, her best days are when she knows her children are happy and healthy. I'm in my late thirties, yet I long for her cool hands on my head when I am feeling sick and I can't wait to call her to celebrate my children's successes.

Mothers have the privilege and the burden of experiencing a primal form of love that cannot be duplicated in a marriage or friendship. Yesterday's lunch reminded me that parenting does not end once a child leaves the nest. It endures through the years and remains for a lifetime.

1 Comments

Jennifer Lanter said:

I believe there are only 2 kinds of unconditional love- Christ's love for us and a mother's love. I did not know how much my mother loved me until I had children. I now know the heartbreak she felt when my little heart was broken and when I started dating the fear that kept her up at night until she knew I was home safely tucked into bed. A mother's love is very powerful and so welcome.

November 6, 2006 3:02 PM

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