Amy's 'momentary trouble'

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and other than knowing that it’s the second Sunday in May, I knew very little about it, so I set out to brush up on my history and this is what I discovered.

The first observance of Mother’s Day was in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1907 and is based on suggestions by Julia Ward Howe in 1872 and Anna Jarvis in 1907. Although it wasn't officially celebrated in the U.S. until 1908, there were days honoring mothers dating back to ancient Greece. In 1600 England, there was an annual observance called ‘Mothering Sunday.’ It was celebrated during Lent, on the fourth Sunday and on this day, the servants, who generally lived with their employers, were encouraged to return home and honor their mothers. It was a tradition for them to bring a special cake along to celebrate the occasion. In 1908 Ana Jarvis (from Grafton, West Virginia) began a campaign to establish the national observation of Mother's Day. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church to celebrate Mother's Day on the anniversary of her mother's death and a memorial service was held there in her honor on May 10, 1908 and again the following year in Philadelphia where she moved. In their quest to establish a national Mother's Day, Jarvis and others began a letter-writing campaign. They initially sent their letters to ministers & businessmen, but their letters, and word of mouth spread through local politicians to state & federal senators and eventually to the White House. Their campaign was successful. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day a national observance that would be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.

As I sit here contemplating Amy’s role as mother to our four children, many memories, impressions and emotions come flooding into my mind; countless stories read, messes cleaned up and scrapes bandaged. Tears wiped & tears shed, discipline dispensed & compassion given. Noses, socks & dishes cleaned. Come rain or shine, Amy tries her best to make it to every conference, every event & every concert. She cheers & congratulates in each triumph and weeps & consoles in each defeat. Her concern has always been for the kids and if they needed money for something, she would gladly give them her last cent. Even in the darkest valley on the darkest day of the battle she is currently facing, her worry and concern isn’t about herself, but for our children, if they are alright. It takes bravery, patience and determination to be a mother and Amy has displayed these qualities in great abundance throughout the years. Amy, thank you for being such a wonderful mother to our children, even after almost 20 years of marriage you continue to amaze me. I love you...

Proverbs 31:10-31
A woman of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

To all mother’s everywhere, thank you for caring and loving all of us children...Happy Mother’s Day.

This is Amy's story as seen and told by me - V