Village Voice - May, 2006
A Special Tribute to Our Many
Mothers
Crafting a tribute to mothers for
this edition of the Village Voice was a bit of a challenge. Of all of
the
topics that one could be asked to write about, probably no other
subject
provokes more thought, endears more individual memories, or stirs more
heartfelt
emotions than that of our mothers. I considered writing about my
mother, who is
still doing quite well in her senior years, and what she has meant to
me and my
family. However, it would take a chapter in a very long and complicated
book to
do justice to my mother’s contributions to our family and even then I
feel I
would omit some important fact. More importantly, each of you could
probably
write your own individual motherly tribute that would at least equal,
and in
many instances surpass, what I would say about my mom. I will just say
that my
mother is a wonderful woman who has been blessed in many ways.
So instead of focusing on my
mother, I want to expand this tribute
to mothers who surround each of us every day. These include, but are
certainly
not limited to, the mothers in our neighborhoods, schools, work places,
and
places of worship. While they may not all be mothers in the biological
sense,
they are mothers in the sense that they nurture, protect, and help us
create
goodness in our lives.
This
tribute is for the mothers
in our neighborhoods who look after our children while they are
at the
bus stop, walking to school, or at play. Who provide guidance to our
teenagers
and students, or who just lend a helping hand to another neighbor in a
time of
need;
This
tribute is for the mothers
who enable our children to get an education.
While teachers immediately come to mind, we must also include bus
drivers, road crossing guards, school nurses, cafeteria workers,
custodians,
librarians, coaches, principals, professors, counselors, and
administrators who
all substitute as “mothers” when we need
them;
This
tribute is for the mothers who have now become integral to our
work place. In addition to
playing leading or supporting roles, these professionals bring unique
skills
and perspectives that lead to invaluable contributions in the work
place.
Regardless of the situation, they find a way to maintain a positive
attitude
that enhances and enriches our work environment;
This
tribute is for the mothers in our churches and places of worship.
For those who lead and contribute to Sunday School teachings,
music
services, dance ensembles, worship programs, missions, deaconess
activities,
community outreach, Bible School Studies, financial stability,
spiritual well
being, youth activities, nursery care, charitable works, weekly and
monthly
gatherings, church publications, and special outings, the church
thrives
because of you; and,
Finally,
this tribute is for those mothers who make our houses a home,
who provide us with love, humor, and support.
Whether you have a dozen children or whether you have taken us
under your wings in a figurative sense, we thank you, we love you, and
we honor
you not only on Mother’s Day, but on every day of the year. May God
continue to
bless you as you have blessed us with your lives, love, and warm
memories.
By Ron
Moultrie
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