There are certain days that hit a little deeper than others.
Mother’s Day is one of them.
It’s been just over a year since my mom passed at 91-years young. There’s still a huge space in my heart that will always miss her. She was 89-pounds of pure joy who loved sugar, sweets, and
her 8-kids and family.
Over the past year, there’s something else that’s grown even stronger…Gratitude.
Gratitude for the life she lived.
Gratitude for the love she gave.
Gratitude for the lessons she taught—many without ever saying a word.
And this year, that gratitude has expanded even more as I look at my wife, Melanie, and all that she does for our family and so many others. It’s kind of strange to say that we will become
“empty nesters” this August as Luke (U of South Carolina Law), Brady (High Point U), and McKenna (High Point U) will all be in college. Whaaattt?!!
Moms are… different. Special in a way that’s hard to fully put into words. But I’ll try.
5 Things We Love About our Moms…And Why They Mean So Much:
1. Their Love is Unconditional
A mom’s love doesn’t come with strings attached. It’s not based on performance, success, or perfection. It just is. Through the highs and the lows, wins and losses… they love us anyway.
And that kind of love shapes a life.
2. They See the Best in Us (Even When We Don’t)
There were times in my life I doubted myself, questioned my path, or fell short.
My mom never wavered. She had this quiet confidence in me that gave me strength when I didn’t have it on my own. That belief? It stays with you forever.
Heck, even Melanie, does the same thing for our kids…and even me. It sure is great to be around people who see the best in YOU!!
3. They Sacrifice More Than We’ll Ever Know
The early mornings. The late nights. The worries they carry that they never speak out loud.
So much of what moms do goes unseen… but it’s felt every single day.
And as I’ve gotten older, I see it more clearly than ever.
I’ve been more impressed by Melanie in this past year than ever. I think it might be because she knows our youngest is going to college in August and she’s trying to maximize time. But man,
she’s volunteering at “NCL” (National Charity League), she’s the President of the Girls Lax Booster Club, she’s working at IMPACT-X Performance and teaching Stretch-X…and oh, she’s still a full-time professor at Southwestern College.
4. They Teach by Example
My mom didn’t sit me down and lecture me about how to live. She showed me.
Through her kindness. Her resilience. Her faith. Her consistency. Her love.
Moms don’t just raise kids—they model what it means to live a life of purpose.
5. Their Impact Never Leaves Us
Even though my mom is no longer here physically, her voice, her lessons, her love… it’s all still with me.
In the way I lead.
In the way I serve.
In the way I love others.
That’s the power of a mom. Their impact doesn’t end—it multiplies.
A Special Thank You
This Mother’s Day, I want to say Thank YOU! A ‘Thank You’ to all the Mom’s out there who do so much for so many.
And a special shoutout to my wife, Melanie—watching you love, lead, give, and serve is one of the greatest blessings of my life. Our family and so many others are better because of you.
Final Thought
If you’re blessed to still have your mom here—tell her you love her. Call her. Hug her. Thank her.
And if your mom is no longer here like mine… honor her. Live in a way that would make her proud. Carry her legacy forward.
Because that’s what moms do. They make us better… forever.
Happy Mother’s Day. ❤️
Todd
