Uncommon Mothers

I was listening to talk radio the other day, a bad and depressing habit I have , and Mr. Hannity was interviewing a pro football coach. This coach was talking about his first day as a football player just drafted into to college ball. He was 17 and very excited, thinking that this was what life was all about and that he was IT. The coach then talked to these boys and told him words that he will never forget. He told them that "success in life is not enjoyed by the common man." He went on to say that only the uncommon man will be successful. He furthered on to say that while any common man can do the uncommon thing, it is the act of doing so that makes them uncommon.

I thought about these words for a long time. I thought about the role of a mother. Just about any common woman can have this title. However, only so many choose to have the title of the "Uncommon Mother." It is these mothers who don't settle for the easy road. The mothers who want to be better every day and want their children to be the best they can. These are like the kind of mother I had who never missed an important day or who made sure we had a hot dinner each night. The kind of mother who was always up and ready before we were and how somehow made her job look easy and enjoyed. The kind of mothers like you all who search blogs and form groups to learn how to be a nurse, seamstress, hairstylist, chef, activities chairman and school teacher.

I am so blessed to be surrounded by such uncommon women as you all. I get many, many emails from mothers with inspiring stories who don't settle for the easy road. What blessed children you all have. Some days it may be all we have to just get up and pour the cereal bowl. We all have those days and that is ok. But, we are making something beautiful with each effort we make. We create homes, minds, futures. We may not be appreciated now, but it doesn't really matter. We get thanked by the little things.

Some days I just want to quit this job, at least for a few minutes so that I could go try on a much needed dress without little helpers trying to get out from under the stall or work out without having to get up at 4:30 just for alone time. But, this little angel boy in the picture above reminds me daily what blessing I have to be his uncommon mother. He has only a very few words limited by Autism, but just last week as I came in the door, he called out in the sweetest voice ever heard , "Hi Mom." He said it one more time and then clapped for himself. We have worked for that day for a long time. Lots of hours of therapy, lots of prayers. He was so proud and I melted. It is all worth it. THEY are all worth it.

Maybe it was Valentines Day, but I am feeling sentimental about these little spirits entrusted to my care. What a great job I have.

For a little more inspiration on uncommon mothers, enjoy this clip:
The Invisible Woman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0