By Kay Owen-Larson

“Honor your father and mother, (which is the first commandment with a promise) That it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.”  Ephesians 6:2-3

As I think about Mother’s Day coming up, I can’t help but think about my own mom. My mom was a strong, independent and caring mom. That is not to say, we didn’t have our differences, we did. I think most daughters and moms have their times of discord. But today, I would like to focus on the great mom that I was privileged to have in my life.

I always knew that my mom loved me unconditionally. She was always there for me in the good, bad and the awful. She was a fierce protector of her children and those that she loved. She was loyal to a fault. She worked very hard in the post-depression days to help provide for her family. She did many jobs including being a welder in the ship yard in Savannah, GA during WW2 when most men were overseas fighting.

She loved to cook, it was her favorite hobby in life. She always remembered her children’s and grandchildren’s favorite meals and would prepare all of them when she knew they were coming. I have her cookbooks still and really enjoy leafing through them and having a good laugh at her notes.

She later became a nurse and continued in that line of work until retirement. After retirement, she and my dad began a ministry to those residing in nursing homes. She continued in that ministry until she had a massive stroke. Even after her stroke, when she was unable to walk, talk or eat, she still tried to minister to those around her by holding their hand, sometimes kissing their hands and doing her best to communicate to others that God loved them.

She is my hero! She has been gone for many years and I love and miss her to this day. I pray you have a mother in your life that you love and appreciate and if you have that privilege, be sure to convey that to them.

To all our moms out there, receive our thanks and love today for all you do. You are a gift from God and we appreciate you.

Happy Mother’s Day!