Sunday, May 14, 2006

The Most Beautiful Woman


George Washington was known to have said, "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." Though these are not my words originally, these words begin to express my deep love and appreciation for Mom. I would, though, add to them.

Dear Mom,

You stand as a witness to a rare treasure. In a time when many women have perceived their significance and worth to be outside the home, in a time when many women have rejected the blessed gifts of conception, in a time when many women have balked at the prospect of simple submission to husband, home and family, you have been a stalwart. In humble elegance you have defended the beauty of the home, you have sacrificed your life to the conception of new life and you have found pure joy in submission to the most ordinary of human tasks.

You have undertaken mothering with the surrender of natural desire. As with honor, you have often sat in an old nightgown and torn chair late at night rocking a child in your arms. And while the world increduously laughs that you would give in this manner not just once or just twice, but eight times and more if granted, you would smile. For to the poverty of the world, you have brought distinct dignity. Through the black of night and through the frustrations of the noon-day hour you have labored and toiled for the future of this world.

You have never been too busy to listen, too old to play, too exhausted to keep on laboring, too tired to laugh or too emptied to give yet another hug.

Your love is of the most pure and beautiful of all human loves. Of all visionaries, professionals, missionaries, philanthrophists, teachers, doctors, benefactors, politicians, activisits and preachers, you have changed the world the most. In patient hope, you have sown the immortal seed of love.

And, we, your eight children, are very blessed.

Happy Mother's Day,

Sarah, Isaac, Nathaniel, Luke, Hannah, Jacob, Rebecca and Caleb