Growing up, I would admire my mom, Janice Mitchell, for just being an awesome woman, mother, and wife. Of course, she did her best to raise me up into the fine young man I am today.
When I hear women complaining about men not helping out enough in the home, I am grateful for the fact that my mother taught me and my two siblings domestic skills, such as cooking and cleaning. We grew up in the country and now that I am on my own, this training has become quite essential and beneficial to my survival.
Mom always knew how to get creative with ingredients she had on hand to prepare a scrumptious finished product that tasted so yummy. Everyone would express how delicious the food was, and watching her from the sidelines back then, neither of us really realised how much I was imbibing for the day I’d be allowed to assist.
A MOMENTOUS OCCASION
In bite-sized portions, Mom allowed me greater and greater access to the stove until that unforgettable moment she handed me the responsibility of cooking dinner on a Sunday. This was a great honour, as in our family, only those who could cook very well were entrusted with such privileges. This paved the way for me to hone my skills and even serve others when duty calls.
Similar to what I witnessed with mom and her dinner guests, whenever I prepare meals for others, they often express sheer delight as they partake of it. I can say without a doubt that I have learnt to prepare food as well as Mrs. Janice Mitchell does. Thank you, Mommy!
I’m also grateful for all the times she shouted, “Mario, clean the house!” This has caused me to be very neat and keep my surroundings clean.
And washing? She started with the essentials (undergarments) and then graduated to shirts, pants, and the like. At one point, she realised I had become so good at washing whites that she started giving me all of them to wash (lol). At first, I didn’t appreciate it, but over time I realised I was learning how to work and serve with diligence and gratitude – imperishable lessons for good character.
THE NON-NEGOTIABLES
This brings me to the biggest investment Mom has made in my life. She was quite instrumental in my spiritual development. Being a firm disciplinarian, going to Sunday School was a non-negotiable. Her motto came straight out of Joshua 24:15, as she often declared, “As for me and my house…!” She and Dad were on one accord on this matter, and therefore there could be no back talk.
Additionally, I’m thankful for the times she sent me to a prayer group whenever I had pivotal, life-changing events (such as CXC’s and going off to college). The group would pray for me that the will of God be done in my life, and as a result of their intercession, my sister and I got saved at the same time! I remember Mom expressing how witnessing our new birth and transformation made her feel as if she too had been ‘reborn’ with us. She gladly welcomed us into the Kingdom, and this experience became a landmark for our family. Things were never the same. Our family grew closer, becoming even more loving towards each other.
Mom also championed the discipline of success through earnest labour. I recall her giving me work to do outside of the normal domestic work (I call it “a hustle”), for which she would give me a small allowance. This too I’ve grown to appreciate, especially in my adult years.
Mommy, by observing your life, I’ve seen that hard times can be a tool that produces strength in us. I’ve learnt so much from you I could go on and on. Thank you for raising me the way you did. I know that you did your best, and I am blessed to have you. I love you, Mom.
From “your boy, Mario” (as you affectionately call me).
NB: I am aware not all persons have positive experiences with their moms, but be encouraged that God always has a good plan even in negative situations. He is the one who determined the “conduits” through which we would be born, and while there may be blockages along the way, God is always present and is able to nurture you Himself, fill that gap, and heal the broken relationship you might have with your parents. If you feel resentful towards them, you can ask God to help you to be thankful regardless and ultimately to help you forgive. You will be well on your way to seeing the benefits and purposes of the parents He chose for you.
