Jeff’s Journal
By Jeff Whitaker
She’s the first to love you, the one who stays awake all night when you’re not feeling well, kisses your scrapes and scratches, comforts you in your disappointments and cheers you on in your victories. This Sunday we celebrate her. But really we should celebrate her everyday.
Although mothers have always been revered, here in the United States, the first Mother’s Day was celebrated in 1907. Anna Jarvis organized a service of worship and celebration at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. The day was set aside to honor mothers. It wasn’t until a few years later in 1914 that President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation officially designating Mother’s Day to be held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday.
It’s hard for me to believe but this Mother’s Day will be my third without my Mom who passed away in April of 2020 at the age of 92. Every few days my social media memories pop up with pictures of my Mom with me or my sister or family. They always bring a smile to my face as I think back on our time together. For me, the memories are positive. But I recognize that it’s not always the case for some. I’ve been very fortunate and for that I’m grateful.
If your mother is still here, my challenge to you today is to not let time go to waste. If you have a great relationship, then take the time to make it even greater. If your relationship is rocky or just not there, take the time to mend the past and start fresh. We only have today. We aren’t promised tomorrow.
Now that my Mom is gone, in hindsight I can offer this to you. I’m glad I touched base with her on the phone, even if for a few minutes almost every day. As a family, we took the time to have dinners and spend time together so that my children could be with her. I’m so grateful that on milestone birthdays, my sister and I took time to honor her with her family and friends but also verbalized our appreciation for her in front of everyone. That is a big one to me. Too many people wait to say the things they need to say until someone’s funeral. It’s so much better to make opportunities to do that when they are still with us. I would say the one thing I wish I had done more of was to take her out to lunch or breakfast one on one more on a regular basis. The time we did do that was precious.
On this Mother’s Day, to my wife Sharon, the mother of our children; thanking you doesn’t seem enough. You have loved and cared for each one of our girls and boys as only a mom can. Thank you for the hours you’ve spent caring for them when they were sick, celebrating them in their accomplishments, praying for them through good times and trying times and being the ‘Heart Of Our Home’.
To all the Mom’s reading this today, Happy Mother’s Day! You possess a special ability and love reserved just for you. My hope is that you are celebrated in a huge way this weekend and every day!
Jeff Whitaker is a veteran broadcaster here in South Jersey. He now draws on his experience and training to work with companies and individuals to develop effective storytelling, communications and leadership skills. Find free resources and ways Jeff can work with you at jeffwhitaker.com
