By Harold Keller / L’Observateur / May 9, 1999

Sunday, we officially celebrate Mother’s Day. Personally, I think Mother’sDay should be celebrated every day.

I was blessed to have a good mother who will be 91 years old this month.

My mother’s job was the most important job in the family. I was doublyblessed that my mother’s responsibilities were made a little easier with a strong supporter – her husband and my father.

My children were also blessed to have a godly mother whose job was a little tougher because of my weak support. My alcohol abuse prevented mefrom being the godly father that God intended me to be.

This Sunday, we will honor all mothers. My mother and my children’smother will be honored, as they should be.

As Sunday approaches, I want to wish all mothers a happy Mother’s Day, but especially to the many unsung heroes – the single moms.

In today’s society, with the growing divorce rate, the single mom is almost as normal for children as having two parents. This week, mythoughts and concerns are for the women who have to provide for and raise a family without a husband. One thing that most single moms have incommon with one another is that they don’t complain as much as some other people. Maybe one reason for that is because they are too busy tryingto nurture and provide for their children.

After thinking about this for a moment, I realize that’s not the reason. Myexperience with most single mothers is that they’re more grateful because they have to depend on God more. Since they’re always giving, theyreally don’t have time to be selfish. They’ve learned the hard way that thesecret to living is giving.

Most of the single mothers that I know don’t live in beautiful houses. Theirchildren don’t go to private schools, or wear some of the nicest clothes.

They don’t have as much time to spend with their children, but I venture to say that the time they spend is quality time.

To all single mothers: Let me remind you that the Bible says that you shouldn’t worry about mansions on earth that moth and rust will corrode, but build your mansions in heaven. Surely, that’s what you are doing.I ask the other mothers to forgive me for singling out a certain group. Yourjob is just as important and is an awesome responsibility.

To the fathers who live with their children’s moms: Be reminded that the greatest gift you can give your children is to love their mothers, unconditionally – not only on Mother’s Day, but every day.

Again, to all mothers, may this Sunday be a special day. Enjoy it! Youdeserve it!

Harold Keller is a regular columnist for L’Observateur

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