Yesterday was mother’s day, and I was reminded once again how lucky I am to have such great mothers in my life.
In doing some reading on legacy once I came across the letter below that someone had written his mother.
It served as a great reminder of the legacy my mother has given me and the legacy my wife is giving our children.
If you haven’t already, thank the mothers in your life for the legacy they are passing on.
Make it a great day.
Jake
A Letter to My Mom on Her 80th Birthday
Obviously, I could talk today about the many different areas my mom has excelled in over the years and
made a positive difference in other people’s lives. Whether it’s been through her ministry, her catering
business, her creative touch or her friendships, she has exemplified the principle of being faithful despite
what you have and letting God promote you. Consistently, it seems her gift has always made room for
itself and propelled her into a big place.
But more important to me than any of that is the legacy she has been able to leave me and my family.
Almost on a daily basis I’m reminded of how blessed I am and have been. I have a wonderful wife and
two wonderful kids. We are all healthy and blessed. I have really never known tragedy in my life. I live in
America and am blessed by all the freedom and richness that it represents. I drive on roads I didn’t build,
have daily conveniences I never invented and enjoy freedoms for which I was never asked to fight. And
as incredible as that is to me, equally as important, I was given an upbringing by my parents that has
made me very blessed indeed.
First and foremost, I was given the gift of faith. I was raised in a house and environment where my
parents in both word and deed made sure God was first in our home. I always had an example of my
mom giving her time to the church and love toward its people—from the perceived least to the greatest,
she always was an example of giving to her faith.
I was given the gift of respecting other people. I don’t recall my parents ever exemplifying or showing
prejudice toward others. I know they grew up in a different generation where prejudice was more
common, but that was not something I ever saw.
I was given the gift of a strong work ethic. Laziness was never part of the scenery in my childhood. My
mom worked two jobs: her day job at the bank and her night and weekend job raising four kids. Only a
parent with kids can fully appreciate the sacrifice and persistence that required.
I was given the gift of persistence and ingenuity. My mom has always found a way to just get it done, and
usually in her own way and with her own style. She’s never been a clone. Her persistence, creativeness and
ingenuity have always been a great example to me of life’s infinite possibilities.
And I was given the gift of love. I’ve met people who have not felt loved by God or loveable by man. I
can honestly say that I have always known I’m loved by God and have never once doubted my parents’
love for me. Our home was a safe environment to be who you are and to be accepted as you are.
Mother, beyond just my love and appreciation for you, I want to thank you again today, on your 80th
birthday, for your gifts and legacy to me.
Your son,
Kyle
