“...not many people know you, but Mommy, you’re my inspiration”

To My Dear Mother,

There are so many organizations providing for so many of the community’s needs. It feels like every week another person or organization is featured in the magazines, their incredible selflessness and accomplishments lauded. This woman is helping tens of families, that one is saving hundreds of children, yet another is providing comfort to thousands of elderly or lonely people.

And then there is you.

Your name will never grace a page in a magazine, let alone a cover, and not many people know you, but Mommy, you’re my inspiration. You’re there for every one of your children whenever we need you. You hold us close when we’re in pain, you believe in us and care for us — emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

You’re not a great philanthropist, you can’t provide us with much financial assistance, but you always show up for us when we need you. You’re the paragon of an eishes chayil. No one ever awarded you that title at a community dinner, but I’ve watched you be a supportive wife and mother, be present for your spouse and children, and treat your marriage as sacred.

I watched you look after Savta in her last years; you took the mitzvah of kibbud eim for your mother-in-law to a new level.

I watched you be there for your siblings, your siblings-in-law, your children in-law. Your kindness, empathy, and concern for them was limitless.

Your nonjudgmental approach and your endless giving don’t cease to amaze me. You’re a true heroine.

Someone recently asked me, “What’s your parents’ secret, that all their kids are good, healthy kids?” Now I’m not going to pretend we are. Every family has their issues. But what I wanted to tell her is: “Do you know my mother? To her, glory and fame are nothing. Every ounce of her energy is put into her immediate family.”

Mommy, I want you to know that while your name will never be out there, it will always be imprinted on everyone in your family’s heart.

And isn’t that what counts most?

Your Grateful Child

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 932)