I was blessed with a great Mother. Being a boy who loved to play in the creek, behind the house, or riding my bike through mud puddles. I couldn't have asked for a better mom. She never yelled at me for coming home, with ripped up muddy clothes. Which was quite often. Nope, I suppose she just figured it was part of having a little boy to raise. And there were two others before me, so she had plenty of experience to go on by the time I came into the world. Although, the older two were not near so adorable, or smart, or fun, or...well anyway, I don't want to get sidetracked. The point is raising me might have been tough for some moms. I often came home with a flopping fish, salamander, or a bucket full of cray fish. And I fully expected to be praised for bringing home such excelent trophy's of conquest. And, I was never disappointed. There was always a kind word of affirmation to be had from mom. "Well, that's a nice salamander you have there!" she might say. I didn't realize that a wrinkled nose was a sign of disgust till I got married. Thus I was always a happy, if dislusioned, little boy. She also had to pretend that it was extremely funny that she achieved record levels of air time from finding my toy plastic but, realistic looking snakes laying somehow exactly where she would find them in her flower beds or by the steps leading to the house. She also went to great lengths to get free, outdated bread from the local grocery so that I could feed the ducks that swam the stream behind our house. And, as a result we often found a vast multitude of hungry ducks outside in the yard waiting for the little blond guy to come out to feed them. This later led to a problem when the little blond guy became interested in hunting at an early age, but that isn't one of the more pleasant mommy and son memories so I won't discuss it at this moment. Any way the point is, my Mom was awesome.
Now I know a new mommy. Who is the joy of my life, and I'm extremely proud of her. She has a tough job, with playing a single mom, for a cause that a lot of people might think is not nesasary. But, she never complains to me about it. She just does her best, taking care of little Clayton and holding the homestead down till her husband gets home. I'm extremely lucky to have her in my life. And, I know that some day Clayton will be writing on his blog, that he had the bravest and best mommy a little boy could ever have.
Mom & Kara -- I hope you both have a wonderful mothers day. I LOVE YOU!
11 comments:
Being a mom of 2 little boys and 2 little tomboys... I got a big chuckle out of your tribute, Andy. The whole "rubber snake" thing has happened far too many times in the 8 yrs I've had children. We have a crick here behind our church and my kids spend hours and hours catching crayfish, lizards, tadpoles, etc. And, yes, its our mommy duties that allow us to overlook jeans that are 100% mud and grime. Most days I feel like my job is pretty mundane and overlooked but hopefully someday when my boys are adults they will be able to write about me like you have about your mom!!
Oh, and the comment about you fighting for a cause that some might think is unnecessary.... ignore people who make ridiculous comments like that. God never calls His children to do somethign that is ridiculous. It is an attempt of the enemy to discourage you. Thank you for sacrificing to protect my family and those I love. Thank you for what you are doing.
Julia Gurnee
What an awesome post, Andy! I am sure the 2 mothers that you were talking about are so touched by your kind words.
On the other hand I would also like to say... your poor mother!!! Why so many creepy-crawly things? Why not a flower once in a while? lol!
Missy, I forgot to mention the dozens of wilted dandilions I sometimes bestowed upon her.
Through this whole story, I had serious flash-backs. I remember the house that you are talking about so well - I remember parking our trailer basically ON that creek.
What was the foster boy's name when we were there the first time? Hmm...I thought I would never forget that.
Anyway, you do have a wonderful mother and a fantastic wife. And your job is completely necessary and we are proud of you!!
Myranda (Mandy)
Thank-you for the tribute to your mother and wife. I wish some other men would be able to tell their mom's how special they are instead of complaining about them. We're so proud of you and Kara, Andy, and our prayers are with you always. The Tolley's
Just when I thought I couldn't love him more...
Ahhh . . now that was great. I have often thought of a talk I heard your mother give - specifically I remember her attitude toward having three boys and becoming "okay" with the very boy-ness. Recently, my boy is getting old enough to roll in the dirt and slam his zooming dump truck into the back of my legs . . . he brings me so many smiles as I learn to be a boy's mommy - so your mom is a hero of mine as well.
Kara, it was good to see you at IHC! And I had to laugh at your similar spit up experience .. . :>)
Andy, Great tribute to your mom and wife. I enjoy reading your posts. We think and pray for you often. You know how I think about this but let me just say it again - It is NOT a lost cause. Keep it up and RIGHT will prevail! Love and appreciate ya.
Michael
Andy, I loved your tribute to your Mom and Kara. My little boy is just starting to get into the dirt and all of the "boy" things.
Kara, I wanted to wish you a happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day! We really do appreciate you and your support of and dedication to Andy! We are praying for you guys!
Great post! I think the world of your Mom. Thank you for your service to our country. And thanks to your family who sacrifice as well. We do not take it for granted.
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