Posted by The other day I had a mom moment. It brought me back in time. I’d asked my twenty three year old daughter, who was heading out on a date in zero degree weather, if she had gloves and a hat. She said, “It’s not that cold,” and gave me one of those “Oh, mom!” looks as she headed out the door. (With no visible gloves or hat in sight, I might add, though I took some comfort in the fact that she was wearing a scarf.)
I remember having those feelings myself. I remember how it annoyed me when my mom worried over me and cautioned me. I was fine. I knew what was best for me. Why was she so anxious about things?
I don’t remember when she stopped advising me. I don’t think I even realized how much I missed her gentle words of mama concern. Until I heard them again.
Now, years later, I still remember the day when Mama said two simple words to me, that left me choked up for hours…
I’d spent a couple hours at Mom and Dad’s that afternoon cleaning up messes, bathing Mom, and shampooing the carpet. It was tiring, but satisfying to see things get clean and to see Mama content and cuddling up next to Dad.
And then as I was getting ready to leave, Mama said two words that warmed my soul. She said something that I’d heard often when I was younger and never valued then. I thought it was just something my overly worried mother always said. Maybe something all mothers said.
But her words stood out that day, fresh and bright, because she hadn’t said them to me for years. And it felt like a moment back in time, with my mom caring and worrying over me and loving me so.
Because that day as I was going out the door, Mama said, “Be careful.” And that simple message still brings tears to my eyes.
I miss the years I had that Mama love. That faithful devotion that I so easily took for granted when it was abundant. Her concern for me was overflowing. Her willingness to talk and care and listen was endless. Somehow I thought it could never run out. I wish I had cherished the Mama love more.
And I wish I had cherished Mom more when she knew me.
I wonder if this is a common wish. I wonder if my own sweet children will say the same someday…
Let me reassure them, if they ever do have such doubts. I know that you love me. I know that you’re busy and we don’t have as much time together as we’d like.
But know that my mama heart takes joy in seeing you productively working, serving in your church, growing in skills and abilities, spending time with friends, loving your wives and babies and living your lives. You are flying and I’m proudly watching from the nest.
Our time together these days is limited, but it’s always a blessing. I know you love me. And you know I love you.
And when you don’t have your mom with you anymore, remember that. And then take comfort in the truth that your Heavenly Father is the one parent you’ll always have near. He’s always there to listen and care. He’s always watching you. I hope He’s always proud.
But when you fall short, remember Jesus paid the price for our sins, and ask forgiveness. Trust Him and stay close to Him always. Then we can all know that we will be together again some day and for eternity.
Until that day, please be careful. And wear your hat and gloves. And call your mom when you can.
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God's Grace and Life's Challenges 
I cannot tell you how timely this is. I’ve been feeling so sorry for myself without my mom’s care any longer. Even with her Alzheimer’s it still seemed that she worried over me and my brother. It hurts to think that nobody else will ever worry or care as much as my mother did. Except God…of course…Thank you for these lovely words.
I understand your hurt. A mother’s love is so special! What a sweet comfort that our Heavenly Father never leaves us! thanks for taking time to comment, Karen. God bless!
I really appreciate your blog. I’ve been reading it for a couple months now and it’s always uplifting. My mom just passed away this week, Sunday the 31st. I take solace that she us with our heavenly father and her mind is in perfect condition. No more memory problems and no more pain. Your words hit home alot. Thank you.
Oh Dawn, I’m so sorry for your loss. And yes, what a wonderful comfort it is when we know our loved ones are with our Father in heaven! I’m so grateful to hear my posts are meaningful to you! Thank you for letting me know. And may God surround you and hold you in His love and grace.
Beautiful!
Thank you, Dorothy!
You are a very gifted writer. I still miss my precious Mother. I never, not one time doubted her love for me. I know she is with our Heavenly Father. We lost her 2 years ago on December 22 but I know that I will see her again. Thanks for sharing your heart and be careful!
Thank you, Devonda. We are both blessed to have had such loving mothers and to have the certain of hope seeing them again! Thank you for your encouragement, and especially for your last two words. Made me misty. You be careful, too!
Been there also. Now I’m getting those looks from my Grandkids. These too will soon pass. Oh, to hear Mom again telling me to drive careful to which I’d call back , “No driving in the middle fo the road with lights off?” That was on a two-lane highway😉
Sounds like you had a fun relationship with your mom, Selba! Thanks for commenting, and drive careful!
My mom always gave me her advice and directions. Dad would laugh and say, “You and your mom have the same ideas but different ways to get there!” Even in the last years of dementia, we still had our ‘advice and direction’ struggles. Not even one time though, have I doubted her love for me, and mine for her. We even started telling each other, “I love you” on a regular basis. Even though we KNEW that love was there, it sure was nice to hear it! Oh how I miss her and even her directions! I can’t walk into her home, (which I haven’t done very much since her passing) without knowing to “open the drapes and let the sun shine in!” OR “did you bring me the paper?” Well momma, the Son is shining all the time where you are, and that paper doesn’t have much good in it anyway! Thank you for sharing your journey…..it has given me much peace and joy to be able to write the words that are in my heart, and to remember and cherish with others this tender mother daughter relationship. It really is amazing how God has used you to reach so many others in such a special way. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your story, Tammy! And what sweet encouragement you’ve given me. Thank you!! ~Cheryl
Your post is MOST PRECIOUS! Thanks so much for posting it. May God continue to sustain you. 🙂
I’m so thankful to hear this post was meaningful to you, Joyce! It’s such a blessing for me to hear that! God is faithful and good! ~Cheryl
Beautifull sentiment
Thank you, Jack!