Every Mother’s Day

The song M-O-T-H-E-R has always been a favorite of mine. The music was written by Theodore Morse back in 1915. The lyrics were penned by Howard E. Johnson, a pianist in Boston Theatres who later became a staff writer for a New York publishing company during world war one.  But my favorite version of the song is and will always be sung by the great actor and musician Burl Ives, M-O-T-H-E-R. A Word That Means The World to Me. That version makes me believe that every day should be Every Mother’s Day.

His version of the song begins with: When I was a baby, long before I learned to walk. While lying in my cradle, I would try my best to talk. It wasn’t long before I spoke, and all the neighbors heard. My folks were very proud of me, for Mother was the word.

Although I’ll never lay a claim to fame, I’m satisfied to sing her lovely name.

My Mother’s name is Wilma. Her sunrise was May 20^th, 1923.  Her sunset 7^th July 1973. She was a blessing to us all during her fifty years.  She will always be remembered for her presence, love, and ability to make everyone feel invited and welcome to share whatever we had. Her favorite saying was, “Where there’s a will, there’s always a way.”  To her, what mattered most was not your words but your deeds. To this day, I often wonder about the many times she made what seemed impossible – possible effortlessly.

What are some of the memories of your Mother? Do you remember the million things she gave you? And how about the tears she shed? Were they more tears of joy than those of pain and grief? A mother’s heart is one of purest gold, but even gold takes time and reflection to reveal its beauty. Back then, one of our favorite sayings was, “Father knows Best.” It was also the title of a popular TV show of the times. But we all knew who knew and saw all things – MOTHER. We knew who was always right – MOTHER. We knew who was the glue that held the family together – MOTHER.

To all who continue to struggle with their relationship with their mother, remember you are not alone. How about a timeout today? Call to say we may never see eye to eye, but that’s OK. We all feel your pain when we hear the words; I don’t have a good relationship with my mother. Remember this bit of wisdom that has brought about change for many. There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us; it’s difficult to tell which of us ought to change. Any good mother knows criticism will not hurt unless it should. It’s their job. The truth is one thing for which there are no known substitutes, but sometimes it’s better to be happy than right.   

And so today, I offer a Mother’s Day prayer for all the mothers and those who have had the honor and continue to serve as a mother, as one of my dear friends would often remind me.  May you be blessed with the compassion and wisdom the good Lord provides. Strength to face your everyday challenges. Joy in your beautiful smile. Warmth in your precious hugs and the pleasure of your presence that fills every room in your home with laughter.

May we know that in every loving moment you invest in, the joys of Motherhood will someday return to you in blessings that will fill your hearts for a lifetime. Happy Mother’s Day to my mother. And to all the mothers in our lives, let’s make today and every new day – Every Mother’s Day.  

So, let’s take a minute to listen to Burl Ives and his version of MOTHER: