My mama is 70 today, Jan. 5, 2010. I know you aren't supposed to make a big deal about a woman's age, but it's a milestone and I'm putting it out there. A part of me celebrates her birthday because had she not been born . . . well, I wouldn't be writing this little blog entry. Or, a mutated form of me would be anyway.
I have always been and will always be a "mama's boy." Truth be told, all boys are "mama's boys" . . . in a good way. We all hold this special place in our hearts for "mama." Yes, the relationship gets a little strained at times, but in the white hot moment of crisis - mess with our mama; mess with us. And, it ain't going to be pretty. (In my case, you will see the teeth - you will completely understand the shark).
Perhaps I should write this at Mother's Day, but somehow today seems and feels more appropriate. My mama won't read this blog so I will have to e-mail this to her. No, wait. She won't check e-mail either. I will have to text her to tell her to check e-mail. No, wait. She isn't dependable when it comes to her cell phone. Some of you may have to send her to this blog. I'll print a copy and mail it to her.
As she turns a beautiful 70 today, here are a few thank-you's from her oldest:
"Thank you, mama" for introducing me to my Savior, Jesus. Thank you for sitting on the edge of my bed, patiently answering my faith questions, and helping me pray that simple prayer. I am a two steps forward, one step backward believer - but I am a believer because you pointed me toward the cross. My present and future are secure.
"Thank you, mama" for making sure church involvement - far deeper than attendance - was a part of my life. Thank you for the sacrifice of making sure I was involved in all areas of church life. It helped God shape me into the church servant and ministry friend I try to be today. Thank you for modeling faith and church with your own life.
"Thank you, mama" for the little things. Every time we cook brownies or chocolate chip cookies, sometimes at 10 p.m., and for no good reason, I think of you. Every time we pull out a board game, I think of you. Every time we spontaneously go to the movies, I think of you. Every time we have a Big Mac on Christmas Eve, I think of you. Every time we take off to the swimming pool on a summer evening, I think you. You made our childhood - fun.
"Thank you, mama" for the sermons on peer pressure. Even at 50, I am scared to try a cigarette. (And, by the way, I never have). Thank you for setting boundaries and for putting the Fear of Nancy in us. Thank you, too, for saying "no" when you needed to say "no." Good parenting, I've learned, means telling your children "no" as much or more than telling them "yes." Thank you for corporal punishment, too, though at the time my butt didn't appreciate it. My life appreciates it now.
"Thank you, mama" for forgiving my mistakes. Thanks for reminding me, often, to stop "trying to out run God."
"Thank you, mama" for reading my first newspaper story, at 15, and forcing me to write it again. It was "awful" and the grammar was bad. Thanks for never telling what I wanted to hear; always telling me what I needed to hear.
"Thank you, mama" for making me (and Tim and Russ) learn to do laundry, to dust, to vacuum, to cook and clean. My marriage is sweeter - the partnership deeper - because my Vicki doesn't feel I'm dumping all the chores on her . . . just cause she's a woman.
"Thank you, mama" for making me go and serve. I'm such a home boy; you pushed me to go be an usher at Georgia football games, to get involved in scouts, to be a leader, to travel and see the world, to go away to college, to go and serve others, and to keep the circle of friendship open all the time. Every new friend that I have, in every place I've lived, has you to thank for the friendship.
"Thank you, mama" for saying "I love you" because every child needs to hear it, and we have never questioned your love for us. We always hear it. Still do.
Happy Birthday! ~ Scott. <^>< 2010
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