What you need to know.

When Patricia Nadine Davis was born on May 9th, 1937, it was Mother's Day. Her mom was given the gift of a 5th daughter on that day in her farmhouse; a daughter of good luck as they say since she was delivered with a "veil over her face."  Luck?  I'm not all that sure about.  But blessing?  Oh, an indescribable amount.  

If my mother was anything as a girl like she is now, she must have been a blessing to so many.  It would have been fun to see.  Was she as serious and such a hard worker as she is now?  Was she as disciplined and modest?  I'm sure many of these traits my grandmother taught her, but what characteristics were naturally hers from birth?

As a mother of three now, I reflect on my mother more than ever before.  There are some who know definite ways they want to parent differently from their parents, but that's just not me and as a matter of fact, feel most of the time, I will never do as well as she did and continues to do.  

At the age of 75, she continues to have one of the best work ethics of anyone I know.  She works hard and efficiently and takes joy and pride in her work.  She is generous with her time and resources and would help anyone out for any reason.  

She told me once that all she ever wanted to be was a wife and a mother.  Well mom, you succeeded beyond your wildest dreams!  A wife to one wonderful man for 54 years and counting, a mom to 5 and grandmother and great-grandmother to 26 combined (and counting!) leaves you quite a beautiful legacy.  

You have taught me how to manage a home - hospitality, cooking and gardening all by just being you and inviting me along side of you over the years.  I never remember these things as a chore or a boring task.

You displayed faithfulness and sacrifice and commitment as I watched you and Dad in your friendships, your walk with God, your life at church, and in just raising me!  Having me at 43 when you were ready to be empty nesters, required so much of you two.  Night after night you played with me when I had no one else to play with and I will never forget that - sitting on the living room floor playing games with mom while dad watched sports.

You instilled in me a love of life and the outdoors by enjoying where we lived and constantly exploring new places.  I grew up secure in what a loving family looked like:  One that worked hard but enjoyed vacations whole heartedly.  One that loved unconditionally but expected obedience and respect.  I knew I could trust you and I always knew how proud you were of me.  

I am just so blessed to call you my Mom.  I wish there were so many others like you because the world would be such a better place.  Happy Mother's Day, Momma. 

me and my 3

momma and her youngest grandaughter

working next to my mom - the one thing you didn't teach me till recently :)

momma, me and my girl

And mom, because I'm honoring you and letting some other people know about what such a great mom you are, they are honoring mothers in Haiti.  A maternity/child survival center in Haiti is being sponsored for an entire year so other mommas and babies can have a chance to grow and thrive.  I'm linking up my story about you here so others can read and celebrate you: