A mother’s love is like no other

“At a moment, my life since birth flashed in front of my eyes. My problems seemed to diminish when I saw how much my mother loved me and all she had done for me.”  ~ Anonymous

(ROCKWALL, TX – May 8, 2015) Growing up in Puerto Rico, due to the small size of the island, kids and parents tend to live close to each other once they grow up. Sunday dinners (and weeknights, too) are filled with family conversations and great food. I was the first to venture out by moving to Texas. I remember calling my mother every day for advice and to hear her voice. I still remember her smell.

My first child, now 31, decided to venture out further—he married and moved to Illinois. My heart ached. The second one had an itch for adventure. College became her key to the world. As with many teenagers, she struggled for independence. I would repeatedly say to her (and the others), “I love you so much that if I would have to give all my blood for you to live, I would do it.” A little dramatic, I know. But my desire was for them to deeply understand that all my lectures, discipline and teachings were because I loved them. The day I dropped her off at Iowa State University, though elated for her, my heart ached, again.

Then came my third child. As a youngster, he had asthma but didn’t show symptoms until he was turning blue. Through many nights, I slept with my hand on his chest to ensure he would not stop breathing. Sons and mothers have a unique relationship. After my daughter left for college, it was he and I. I remember vividly the conversation we had the day before he left for college (Iowa State). He said, “Mom, my best memories with you are when we were together at the table working on our own stuff, even if there was silence.” The next day my three children packed the car and left to the Midwest. My heart ached the more.

Not too long ago, one of my adult children said to me, “Mom, I love you so much I would give my life for you.” Wow! I was not the perfect parent by any means, but I loved them through the good, the bad and the ugly. Now they take every opportunity to say, “Thank you, Mom” for things I don’t even remember doing.

The second part of Proverbs 10:12 says, “but love covers all sins.” Love is powerful.

I met a father who shared his story with me.“My children give me gifts on Mother’s Day,” he said. Just like many single moms have had to take on both roles—father and mother, the number of fathers taking on both roles is increasing. This father sacrificed many things to make up for the loss (by choice) of his children’s mom.

On Mother’s day, take the time to reflect on those who have loved you unconditionally. Moreover, take the time to express love to your children no matter how old they are or what they have done. 

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13; NIV)

By Blue Ribbon News guest columnist Enid Reyes, a Life, Relationship & Life Transitions Coach and founder of Rockwall Grace Center for Family & Community Development. Enid recently launched her new business, Life Compass: Life, Relationship & Life Transitions Coaching.