By Tim Hayes

“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.” – George Washington

The Father of Our Country knew how important his mother was to his bearing, his success, his life. And if good old George hadn’t been so successful, we might still be paid in pounds and shillings, and singing “God Save the Queen” before baseball games.   So, thanks, Mrs. W!

On this Mother’s Day, a special nod to the wonderful ladies who worked so hard to bring each of us into the world – why do you think they call it “labor?” – and to lead us along the way to adulthood. It ain’t an easy job. I can tell.

”My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.” – Mark Twain

Think of it. You’re launched into The Most Important Job on Earth, and there’s no training, other than on-the-job. And on-the-phone with your own mother.

We know a few families where the Mom, on this day in particular, had better be treated like royalty. Families of four or five boys, and no girls. Families where the testosterone level is so high, you can smell it at the front door. It hits you like a physical presence. And yet, there’s Mom, gamely clutching on to her femininity. A full spa treatment for her might be a grand idea today, fellas. Somebody had better get on the horn, pronto.

”That strong mother doesn’t tell her cub, ‘Son, stay weak so the wolves can get you.’ She says, ‘Toughen up, this is the reality we are living in.’” – Lauryn Hill

Interesting that the quote above comes from an artist once sentenced to three months in prison for tax evasion. That’s the reality she had been living in, so I’m glad her Mom advised a policy of toughening up. Ah, Moms and advice – perfect together.

”When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ it is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.” – Erma Bombeck

And thank God for that! You want the truth? You want someone who will always be on your side? Someone who will give it to you straight, for your own good, when no one else can, or will? You know damn well who to call. Your Mom, that’s who. And for one simple reason.

”When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” – Sophia Loren

So again, on this and every Mother’s Day, we tip our caps, cross our hearts, and bare our souls in gratitude, appreciation, and love for the ladies who brought us into the world and helped to make us what we have become. One last quote to dot the “i”, this one from Honest Abe.

“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” – Abraham Lincoln

Happy Mother’s Day. I love you, Mom. And I love you, Dear, the mother of our children.

Copyright 2019 Tim Hayes Consulting