Mama.
That’s what I have been privileged to call her since before the day I married her son… and I have not been the only one. Aside from her four boys she has actually been “mama” to countless neighbourhood kids and international students throughout the years. Her door and her heart always, always open - to anyone.
She is steadfast, loyal and unswerving in faith. True to the bit o’ Ireland in ‘er… and maybe even a wee bit fiery when the day calls for it. She is precious… and she is one of the strongest women I know.
I watch her interact with her sons and I know there can’t a weak bone in her body. She don’t take no guff from nobody! Perhaps that’s the only way she survived four boys. Yet at the same time, she is just the truest and gentlest form of “mother.” I know that because of her boys and their unreserved love for her.
She has an uncanny ability to listen to what hasn’t been said. She listens with both ears if you know what I mean… and recognizes the struggling emotions underneath. Her children know that she is listening - really listening… and it matters. This is just one of the many ways that she has, without any conscious effort, taught me how to better love her son. In times when I haven’t known how to help him, I would invite her over and just quietly observe how she loves him. She teaches me much more than she knows.
She is a woman of great faith in God. Her relationship with Him is in no way put on. His love is very evident in her life… as she constantly allows Him to move through her. I know she prays for us. I know she takes her concerns to Him instead of trying to fix things on her own. In doing so she shows her respect for our relationship and her trust in a very real and very big God.
I didn’t get to choose her as a mother-in-law… but I would have. I count her more than once when I count my blessings.
Happy birthday Mama!
Love you.
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