It's Mother's Day and I keep thinking about just how different my life is because of what this day celebrates. There are four women who changed my life and three that will.
Mary McCart is my eighty-six year old grandmother. Her steadfast commitment to Christ has impacted now four generations of McCarts. It was in her house that I learned the wonder and amazement of Pop-tarts, Braves baseball, graham crackers and orange juice. I think about all she's observed in her life and I'm grateful to glean all the wisdom I can through our casual lunches and dinners at the same table I sat at eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a boy.
Sylesia McCart is my mom. She was my best friend through the tumultuous high school years. When no one else cared or knew what was going on in my heart and mind, she was there to listen and love. There is no way I would be half the man I am today if it wasn't for her prayer, guidance, support and encouragement. She saw my potential before anyone else. When I was convinced I would be a teacher and coach, she knew God had something different in store.
Anita McCart. Where do I begin? I met her almost fourteen years ago. In the next two years she became my friend and then my future. I knew she would one day be an incredible mother. And now she has given me three beautiful and amazing children. I'll save the rest of my bragging on her for the next two posts (anniversary and birthday).
Billie Bishop is my mother-in-law. There is no way possible to have hoped for a better mother-in-law. She doesn't love me like a son-in-law. She loves me as a son. She is an incredible example of compassion and unconditional love. She is always there with words of wisdom and will randomly call me to encourage me and compliment what I'm doing. I don't know of many other mother-in-laws that will risk the awkwardness with their son-in-laws to push past the typical relationship to achieve true family.
One day in the much to not distant future my two daughters will become mothers. One day there will be a young woman who completely captures my son's attention. As these three women become mothers and turn me into a grandfather my life will once again be changed. I'm so thankful for mothers. There is so much truth in the saying "behind every great man is an even greater woman." I personally believe that is a reference to the mother that poured herself into him.
Happy Mother's Day. You each mean so much to me.
