Is there a limit to a mother’s courage and strength?

If I use my mother-in-law as an example, then the answer to my question is a resounding NO. As I observed my mother-in-law, Mama, this past week, I began to realize that she is an exceptional woman. I have always known that she is a cut above the rest but seeing her hold everybody together during this difficult time makes me admire her even more.

On Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 7:00 a.m. my brother-in-law, Junior, underwent a kidney transplant. Our niece, Ivy, was the donor. While everyone  focused on Junior’s well being, it was easy to ignore Mama’s condition. I can only imagine what she was going through during those tense moment. But, she’s been through something like this before. That’s why she passed this test again with flying colors.

Mama had endured difficult challenges these past 3 years. First, my sister-in-law was diagnosed with lupus. Second, my father-in-law had to undergo a lung operation. Third, my wife had a tumor removed from one of her ovaries. And recently, my borther-in-law had his kidney transplant. Through these challenges, Mama has remained steadfast, the rock.

At the hospital, as we watched my brother-in-law rest, she said that her head felt like it was about to explode. But, she continued to smile and laugh.  She even tried to make me laugh because she noticed that I was not in my usual talkative self.

I just don’t know where she gets all the courage to face the barrage of challenges that life hurls at her. It is true that we all face difficult obstacles in life but how many of us face these trials with strength and integrity?

I know people who would have easily complained, assigned blamed, and bilk the situation for every once of sympathy from other people if they faced the same challeges that Mama had encountered. But not Mama. Not once did she complain, assigned blame or fished for sympathy.

I am very fortunate indeed to be a part of her family circle. Her actions serves as my guide to being a better parent and a better person. If I could only become half-a-parent as she is, I would be grateful and my children will have a parent that they deserve. But, if I can’t be like her, at least my children will still have their mother. It is comforting to know that my wife Lucille is definitely her mother’s daughter.

Thank God for that.