Today is Mothers’ Day in our nation but back in 2020 it took on even greater significance for me, making me want to rename this day “Mother Appreciation Day.”
Back on March 9 of that year my mom had some surgery in London.
She was kept overnight but was doing really well so she was able to go home to Windsor.
I stayed overnight with her on March 10th and then ran some errands for her on the 11th.
Then the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 crisis as a pandemic and life as we knew it changed dramatically.
That was four years ago, and I went over two months without seeing my mom because of the lockdown measures imposed by the province.
One thing good that came out of that time was that I started phoning my mom more than usual – a lot more than usual.
Actually, I began to call her every day, whereas before it was once or twice a week.
My mom really struggled with being completely alone all day long with no visits and no card games to attend during that trying time.
I am sure many of you can relate.
The forced separation from my mom, in consideration of health regulations, was something none of us wanted but had to abide by in order to help prevent the spread of the virus, it was thought.
It served to give me a fresh appreciation for the relationship I have with my mom.
In Exodus 20:12 one of the Ten Commandments states “Honour your father and your mother.”
God made us for relationship, both with Him and with others.
We need that.
I am grateful that I still have my mom, who is 87 years old and in good overall health.
Many of my friends do not have this privilege.
If the pandemic, with all of its forced social distancing taught us anything, it taught us that being separate from others is not natural and it’s not fun.
Let’s give thanks today for our moms, both those still with us and those who have passed away.
It is a fairly commonly accepted thing that a grateful heart is a happy heart.
Make your heart happy today by showing gratitude for your mom on her special day!