The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Moms Bless America By Teaching Their Kids

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher

7 May 2003

Moms, it just keeps getting better.

We began as a daughter, then became

a "Mom" and finally, we get dubbed

as a GRAND-Mother.

And it is quite a grand experience to be a part of so much laughter, commotion and to be attacked by so many interesting questions.

Mothers Day is this Sunday, May 11th and I want to say something to the mothers of all the children in my family and in yours.

Thank you for keeping up with the task of caring for these precious little ones God has placed in your keeping. For putting your wants and sometimes your needs aside to love and make a safe home for the children to grow up in.

The most important teachings begin at home, and it certainly comes with challenges that a corporate attorney, a military chaplain, a CPA, CEO or even the FBI would find difficult at times.

A mother has no degree when she has finished raising the crew, except to be handed the prestigious title of "Grandmother" when a child which she has raised becomes a parent.

I know, it is not an official cap and gown ceremony at the birthing, unless you are lucky enough to be in the delivery room with white smock and head gear.

Young mothers: some day, all those changing of diapers, and repetitious remarks like "wait until dinner" - "stay in your bed" - "don't fight with your sister" - "this is absolutely the last story" will be over with. Then you will be moving on into the next phase of answering a wave of questions.

The questions come, from "how does a bird fly" and "where do we come from?" to "why are those kids picking on that boy?" "what are drugs?" "why do people drink?" - to "why are they burning our flag," "why do we have war?" and "where do we go when we die?"

The different personalities, perspectives, and frankness of our children keep mom on her toes, but it is so important that she is there to guide them through the hundreds of obstacles they face from day to day. In their innocence, they need help in smart decision-making.

All too soon, the children are in their parents' shoes, leading our communities, our country and influencing others in the world. What they have learned at their mother's knee is the basis of all else to come.

Like a good stock of soup, the teachings during childhood must be good or the whole batch will have a sour taste. Like a good soup, it takes some simmering and time for all the ingredients you put in to come together. But eventually, a good flavor will produce.

Mothers, as you teach and advise, and mend, discipline, remind and forgive your children, they are coming together to become a fine stock. As you teach them about God and give them a faith in the creator, you are adding the salt that will bring out the good flavor in their life.

You (and anyone in the parenting role) are important to the future of America. The stock market can rise and fall, but our children must be prepared to overcome adversity and be wise in their decision making. Sometimes they must go without, other times they must take risks to succeed.

If our children aren't taught at their mother's knee and sometimes across it, this country will fail.

Because you, Mom, dare to do the difficult - which may mean putting your own goals on hold to help your children form their's, America and the world will be a better place. Our nation is indebted to you. Your integrity, your intolerance of wrong, your compassion combined with a sincere trust in God are the greatest wealth of America.

As Mother's Day is celebrated this week across America, give tribute to all moms who have worked to nurture a child.

Join me and my grandchildren in wishing Mothers a "Happy Mothers Day" and thanks for caring.

How Debbie Cole can get 12 grandchildren from 3 months to age 12 gathered around their grandmother at one time without too much fuss, I do not know, but she does a wonderful job.

Together my grandchildren posed with me to help wish their moms a Happy Mother's Day and to thank them for teaching them, for putting up with their restless nights, their strong wills, their determination and persistance in trying to get their own way, while teaching them what really is the right way to do things. Most of all, thank you for showing them by their examples that it is in God that we can put our trust.

From Back left is Drew Postle-10, holding Hallee Wood- 5 mo., Caleb Andrews-6, Ali Postle-8, Autumn Ericson-10 & Matthew Ericson-12 holding Sydney Andrews-5 mo. 2nd row: Joshua Andrews-4 and Grandma Dessa holding Nathan Andrews-3 mo., and in front from left: Hannah Wood-2, Emalee Andrews-2, and Noah Andrews-4.