Canadian Moms

There are many mothers around here lately (geese and ducks), but the one dearest to my heart is very far away. It is not until I became a mother that I realized all that my mom sacrificed for me growing up. She sacrificed time, lots and lots of time. Besides, the normal work involved with eight children, she went the extra mile. As we finished tucking the kids into bed the other day I reminisced about my own child hood bedtime, and wondered if my kids are missing out. We keep it pretty simple, scriptures, story, prayers, favorite thing from the day, hugs, kisses, lights out. Multiplied by four it seems to take a bit of time though. My mom, I'm sure did those things, but what I remember is her rubbing my head and singing me to sleep (Stay awake from Mary Poppins is what I remember most, and could never figure out why she didn't want me to go to sleep). This thought process started because after we tucked the last one in bed, Addie hollered down the hall asking for me to rub her back until she fell asleep. Instead of thinking "Of course, dear, sweet child whom I treasure so", I thought of how tired I was and all the things I still needed to get done that night. But remembering my mother and the example she set, I did not want to rob my daughter of similar fond bed times, and as I rubbed her back I wondered if my mom rubbed all eight kids heads and sang them to sleep. If so, when did she get everything else done?
My mom took the time to make fruit leather, play doh, and fresh homemade rolls or wheat bread weekly. At the time, we probably didn't show adequate appreciation for the work involved, as store-bought fruit roll ups and play-doh were more appealing-because that's what everyone else had. But, what I wouldn't do for some fruit leather right now.
My mom had a huge garden which we also weren't as appreciative of. To us, it meant weeding, and swiss chard with the possibility of unexpected escargot at dinner. The other fruits of her labor being, rhubarb, raspberries, strawberries, beans, peas, carrots, potatoes, corn, and whatever else was planted. I do remember tasty treats from the garden, including stewed strawberries and rhubarb, blackberry buckle and shelling peas on the back porch. One for the bowl, two for my mouth, one for the bowl...
She sacrificed financially. Instead of buying new clothes for herself, she was happy expanding her wardrobe with our hand-me-downs. And though we didn't have a dishwasher, I never heard a complaint about the cost of my traveling extra curricular activities in high school.

My mom who sacrifices so much for her children, never holds resentment only love and prayers for their well being. She is a wonderful grandmother. She is just as interested in my kids lives as if they were her own children. I always know she will be delighted to hear about the latest accomplishment, whether it's a first word, running really fast at a soccer game, or giving a talk at church. We don't see her often, but when she comes, she gives us her all. She cleans, babysits, weeds, plants, takes kids on walks, sings, whistles, puts up with my crankiness, reads to the kids, and has sleepovers with them which don't usually involve much sleep. . .and that's her vacation time.
I love my mom and am grateful for her faith in Christ, her compassionate example, and her unconditional love. I am thankful for all the many thankless sacrifices she has and will make.