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Many years ago, a barbershop quartet song extolled the virtues of mothers by spelling out the word and assigning a descriptive adjective or two to each letter. The final refrain said something like: “Put them all together, they spell MOTHER.” Although the song was syrupy, its sentiments were right on target. Mothers, good mothers, play an invaluable role in our lives and are very close to our hearts.
In thinking of words to describe my mom, I would have to start with commitment. Helen Veerman was totally committed to Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord. She modeled that value and worked hard at instilling it in her five children, through family devotions and Scripture memory and through her involvement in Child Evangelism, Daily Vacation Bible School, Sunday school classes, worship services, and church dinners and missions programs.
She was also committed to Dad and to our family. By watching Mom I learned that marriage is for life and that raising a family must be a top priority.
The second descriptive word for my mother is availability. Mom was always there—when I came home from school, at every meal, whenever I needed her. I could talk to Mom about anything, share my dreams and desires, and cry with her. Although she had advice that I often ignored when I was young, Mom was first of all a good listener. And years after moving out and living on my own, I always loved going home and talking things over with her.
Another word for my mother is service. I’ve never known anyone who gave more of herself to her family, church, and community. Mom was a homemaker by calling, gifts, and profession. And besides fixing our meals, cleaning our house, and mending our clothes, she regularly prepared meals for missionaries, out-of-town guests, friends and neighbors, relatives, and the needy. A typical Thanksgiving would find over 30 relatives and friends gathered at our house.
I could continue for much longer describing this amazing woman. All these characteristics can be summed up with one word—love. My mother was a woman who loved God, her family, and just about everyone else.
Mom died about two years ago, and before that she suffered with Alzheimer’s disease for quite a while, so I haven’t been able to express my feelings to her for a number of years. And I miss her a lot.
If your mother is living, express your love and appreciation to her. Visit her, call her, write her, honor her—and not just on Mother’s Day.
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