There are many different types of Love and today I would like to talk about a mothers love for her child.
This is one of the most beautiful stories on this subject I have ever read.
It was written for Good Housekeeping Magazine in 1933 by Temple Bailey.
I think this story should be read by everyone once in a while so we remember to respect our mothers for their love and guidance.
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A Mother's Love
"Is this the long way?" asked the young mother as she set her foot on the path of life.
And the Guide said: "Yes, and the way is hard, and you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."
The young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike, and reminded them to feed the dog and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them and the young mother cried,
"Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."
Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms. The children said,
"Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."
And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there."
So the children climbed and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all unconditional love. And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we could not have done it without you."
The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years. The mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said:
"This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children."
And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And Mother said,
"I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them."
And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said, "We cannot see her, but she is with us still." A mother is more than a memory. She is a living presence. Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winters day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is your birthday morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop.
A mother shows through in every emotion - happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow - and all the while hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.
She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space - not even death!
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Why is the loneliness of old people a problem in today´s world? Who could forget their own mother and never visit them? Sure there are moments our mothers can get on our nerves - but just remember how many times it was the other way around.
Does your mothers love, years of it, make her worthy of your attention? A mothers love is something you will miss always once she is gone. Even though she may not always know how to show it in a way we understand, her love is pure and unconditional, no one will EVER love you the way your mother does. Remember that behind her calls, her worry, her suggestions for your life, is love and the wish for you to find true happiness.
So show respect for your mothers - a mothers love for her children never dies. Remember her, call her, visit her, appreciate all she has sacrificed for you. One day you will be glad you did or sorry you did not.
I miss my mom every day. She passed through those gates 24 years ago. I know I didn't always show her the respect she deserved and I will always feel a twinge of guilt and regret because of it. Now that I am a mother myself and have grown children I am able to understand all those things my mom said to me when I was younger and appreciate the advice and suggestions she gave to me. I so wish I would have listened to her back then!
