I was a rebellious teen. I disobeyed. I disrespected. I deceived. I was lost and wandering, and it would not be until I was much older, and older still, that I would understand the waywardness had more to do with a desire to be loved, than a desire to do wrong.

You were left to care for us on your own — and worked all of our lives to do so.

I would also learn later, Dad has a painful past of his own that left him bruised and broken. There is no wonder in my mind why he did not know how to be a father. Faithful monetary gifts every birthday and Christmas was his proof of his love for us. But even still, little girls need their daddy to tell them they are loved, they are beautiful, and they are valued.

Mama, you did the best you could, and these are not empty words. I know you did everything you knew to do.

You could love us, and you could feed us. You could clothe us, and you could make sure we received our education, but you could not fill the deep gaping wound left by an emotionally absent, passive father. But you met Who could, and made sure we did, too.

When this rebellious hard-hearted teen girl found herself in a situation much to large for her to handle on her own — you rescued me.

I waited alone in my bedroom while Sister told you over the phone that I was pregnant — 15 years old and pregnant.  I was preparing for my best defense, both apathetic and defiant. But I had no defense for the love unconditional that you would pour out, and the grace that I would receive.

You embraced me, and the unborn child I carried — the unborn child I was willing to terminate. You led me to the cross of Christ through the way of love unconditional, and He saved us all.

{I know you do not like pictures of yourself, so I thought I’d use this beautiful youthful you.}

You demonstrate a love that forgives and does forget and then treats the offender as if it never happened. That is forgiveness, true. You have never viewed me through my wrongdoings or shortcomings.  You have never held any of the offenses, or dishonor I showed you, against me. That is grace, true. No one is perfect, actually only One is, but you, mama, demonstrate love unconditional perfectly for me.

You still, even through the aches or your bones and the throbbing soreness of your muscles, you apologize when you aren’t able to finish my dirty dishes.

You chase toddler around and work your plans around mine because of your desire to help me. “I want to be available to you, for whatever you need,” are your words and your heart.

I have seen your sacrifice, living open-handed, not allowing any material thing to own you, and not allowing inconvenience to limit your love.

You gracefully cared for Grandma, while she battled the last year of her life. You would drive faithfully every week, hours each way, to the far away house Grandma lived in.  Then, it was time to move in, since you were not willing to miss any of the last moments of Grandma’s life. You sacrificially served until her last breath, and you showed me what love is.

Just today you tell me on the phone you traveled to the same city, but now for Grandpa. Your widowed step-father is in the hospital after a stroke rendered him incapacitated. In the recent past he has treated you with hurtful contempt and disdain. Yet, merciful and graceful, I see you filled with compassion as your heart breaks for his suffering, and I learn something as I witness Christ’s forgiving love through you.

Witnessing and receiving Christ’s long-suffering, forgiving, grace-filled, unconditional love through your sacrificial life, is the most important gift you have given me. I am utterly grateful for you.

Through the demonstration of your love, I found the One Who saved my soul. Thank you.