Because Mother’s Day was yesterday, I would like to share why my mother is the most inspiring woman in the world to me.  By watching her over the years, she has taught me a few very valuable lessons.

First, my mother has taught me to take care of others.  Truth be told; my mom is one of the most unselfish people I know.  I can think of a hundred different times my mother has placed someone else’s needs before her own, but I will only highlight two.  When I was fifteen, my niece was born.  My mother had to care for her and became her legal guardian, due to certain events.  It was a tricky situation for my mom; she had to discipline like a mother and spoil like a grandmother at the same time.  In my opinion, my mom balanced the two roles perfectly.  My niece is now sixteen and one of the most remarkable, confident, young women you will ever meet.  Also, about two years ago, my grandmother passed away and my disabled grandfather was left alone.  Instead of placing my grandfather in an assisted living facility, my parents moved my grandfather into their house to care for him.  My father helps, but my mother prepares his meals, washes his clothes, makes his bed, and ensures all of his other needs are met.  My mom has made a lot of personal sacrifices to care for my niece and grandfather, but she has never complained.  She has been a perfect example of the “good and faithful servant” we are all called to be.

Second, my mom taught me that hard work and determination pay off.  When I was twenty, my mom was laid off from her job.  She had worked for the same company for twenty-seven years and received a nice severance package, but she knew our family wouldn’t be able to live on that forever.  The economy was on the decline, and she searched for jobs in her niche before realizing there just wasn’t anything out there.  To support us, she took a job in the cafeteria at our local hospital.  She went from wearing power suits and leading board meetings to wearing a uniform and serving food.  I know my mom didn’t realize I was watching, but I was in awe.  Most of the time, she worked six to seven days in a row before having a day off.  I can only imagine how humbling that experience was for her, but, like I said before, she never complained.  Her hard work paid off, and she was promoted to a job in the business office and has been moving up ever since.  Not very many people are able to take that hard of a blow to their pride, stay consistent, and come back stronger.

Lastly, my mom taught me never to lose faith.  Over and over again, I have watched my mom face very difficult situations with a calmness that can only be explained by her strong faith in God.  She has explained to me several times that we may not understand why something is happening, but everything always works out and we shouldn’t worry.  Recently, I was trying to get my mom to throw me a pity party, and she very lovingly said: “Suck it up and move on.”  That may sound harsh, but it was exactly what I needed to hear and do.  My mom has shown me that God will give me the strength to overcome whatever difficulties life places in my path if I keep my faith.

I wish there was a way I could repay her for all the things she has done for me and everyone else around her, but she is priceless.  I hope that one day; I can be half the woman she is and pass her wisdom along to my boys.  I have never been the perfect daughter, but I am very thankful that I have such a wonderful mom, and I know she is a gift from God.  I hope she knows how much I treasure her and will always need her.

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Ashley Ederington