Mother's Day tribute to a special mom

It has been said, “Behind every great man, there is a great woman.” That would be my mom, Alta Mae. Mom had great elegance. She was beautiful, loving and kind. She was that mom every child would like to have: caring, giving, loving, and always there for you.

She was overprotective sometimes, like many moms can be. As a teen, I would say, “Mom, I’m OK,” or “I’ll be all right.” She would smile, and her beautiful eyes would sparkle and smile as well. She was truly a beautiful woman, inside and out.

My mom was a trusted friend. I could talk with her about any subject matter, and she would listen without talking. When asked a question for an opinion, she would say, “Being this is important to you, I will find the best answer I can acquire.”

My mom was fun loving. She had a laugh that was contagious.

However, my mom was also human. She could be very sensitive, easily hurt by words or deeds someone would unknowingly say or do. The only thing that family or friends who understood Mom could do was to be with her and hug her. There were times that my dad, Hershel, would just hold her, and she would melt in his arms.

Mom’s greatest joy was having family members surrounding her. It didn’t matter whether it was a big holiday like Christmas, Easter or Thanksgiving.

Dad was the cook, and Mom was the baker, putting on the final touches before the meal. After prayers and eating a delicious meal, the fellowship with each other would lead to laughter.

Children and husbands: Love and honor your mothers and wives. They went through, and will go through, more than we will ever truly understand.

To my wife, Beth, and all moms, Happy Mother’s Day.