If only I could!
In honor of my mother and the upcoming holiday this Sunday I have decided to post a poem I wrote in her honor in 1995. It is truer today than it was the day I wrote it, as this is the first Mother’s Day I will celebrate without my mother. I hope this poem strikes a chord within everyone who still has the privilege of having an active relationship with their parents.
I CALLED MY MOTHER
I called mommy today, ‘cause I was hurt and sad,
and it was so very dark, and made me feel so bad.
I called to her in my despair and she did not delay.
She came at once when I beckoned her, and she made everything okay.
I called mom today, ’cause this homework is just so dumb,
and the girls in my class don’t like me and won’t make me there chum.
I called to her in my despair and she did not delay.
She came at once when I beckoned her, and she made everything okay.
I called mother today, ‘cause my boyfriend made me mad!
And it seems the world would end to me, and I couldn’t tell my dad.
I called to her in my despair and she did not delay.
She came at once when I beckoned her, and made everything okay.
I called my mom today, ‘cause I needed a little money,
the darn old car broke down again, and the baby’s nose was runny.
I call to her in my despair, and she did not delay.
She came at once when I beckoned her, and she made everything okay.
My mother called me today, to see what I was doing,
and if I had the time, she thought we do a little cruising.
She called to me in her despair, and I did not delay.
I said perhaps another time, I couldn’t get away today.
I called my mother today, ‘cause I didn’t know what to do.
My life is so messed up right now, her guidance I could use.
I called to her and my despair, knowing she would not delay.
If she were here I know she’d come at once, and make everything okay.
Mothers seem to always be there, even though we do not heed them.
They come at once without delay, when ever we may need them.
But what have we done for them? Besides ask for their advice?
Or ask them for a favor, ’cause they’re always just so nice.
When was the last time we came to them? And came without delay?
And came making no demands, I mean we just came to say…
Mom, I called you today, and called with no despair,
I called to say I LOVE YOU!!
And I’m glad you’re always there.
By Joyce Lambert
In our lives I think we have all been guilty of taking things for granted. A roof over our head, food to eat, and our family always being around us. It isn’t until one of those things have been taken away that their true value becomes a reality. Don’t let our affection and appreciation for our loved ones be delegated by national holidays. And don’t make the gifts of appreciation be thoughtless, meaningless, afterthoughts just because you think you have to. Believe me mothers can see right through this, and a heartfelt gift no matter how small is much more appreciated. So if the’re too far to stop in and visit pick up the phone often and make time for the people you love.
As parents this is a prime example of teaching your children how to respect, honor, and love your parents. Remember how you treat your parents is how you are instructing your children to treat you in the future. One of the 10 Commandments is honor your father and your mother, and one of the last acts of Jesus hanging on the cross was to ensure the well-being of his mother.
We as authors have a choice to make mothers an object of ridicule and annoyance, or one of wisdom, guidance, and friendship. They say authors write what they know best, perhaps it’s time to break the cycle and start a new chapter in your life with your loved ones. My mother used to say: if you’ve got nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all. Let’s be an example to the world how to love, and how to be someone they can love.
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Exodus 20:12
The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Proverbs 30:17
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Proverbs 31:26-30