Thursday night, I sat at a college graduation. It was fun to watch families and their anticipation. The lady sitting in front of me, really caught my attention because she was having a difficult time containing her excitement. Many times, she said, “I can’t believe it. She did it!” About halfway through the list of names, she eagerly said, “It’s almost her turn.”  As she got her phone in position to video, I noticed the tears streaming down her face. Wow! She is so happy for her child; she is crying. But as her graduate crossed the stage in cap and gown, the grown woman yelled, “Woo, hoo…that’s my mama!”

My Mama

My mama lost her mom in a plane crash at the age of five. She was passed from family member to family member, so she never had a “true” mother growing up. It always amazed me at how she became such a wonderful parent, without an example. But, she chose to find and follow the influence of strong Christian women. She took wonderful care of us physically, emotionally, and spiritually—“That’s my mama!”

When I was an infant, I had a heart defect. She stayed up around the clock many long nights feeding me a spoonful of liquid every ten minutes so that I would not dehydrate. –“That’s my mama!”

When I was a toddler and it snowed, she was afraid if I went out I would get sick. Clever as always, she brought in the kiddie pool and filled it with snow so that I could experience my first snowfall –“That’s my mama!”

During the week of Thanksgiving, my daddy and brothers always went camping from Saturday to Saturday leaving the house to just me and mama. I loved the holiday and wanted to do it up big. Every Thanksgiving, she catered to me. We fixed enough food for an army, used the fine china, and adorned the dining room with Thanksgiving decorations. –“That’s my mama!”

When I wanted to wear a Santa hat every year during our Christmas shopping, she wore one too. –“That’s my mama!”

Later in Life

When I found the wedding dress I wanted, all except the sleeves that were hideous; she took care of that too. She bought it and redid the sleeves to exactly what I wanted.—“That’s my mama!”

Being terrified of needles, I have passed out many times at doctors’ offices.  So, during my pregnancies, she drove 92 miles from Fayetteville to Rome accompanying me at every doctor’s visit. –“That’s my mama!”

After each of my three children were born, she came and stayed for two weeks. She cooked, cleaned, and helped out with the newborns.—“That’s my mama.”

When my mama was lying in the hospice bed, withering away to nothing, she repeatedly asked if we were ok and if we had eaten. It was always about us, not her. – “That’s my mama!”

Jesus’s Mama, Mary

When Christ was hanging in agony, standing near the cross was His mama. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved, He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that moment, the disciple took her into his home (John 19: 25-27).  I believe Jesus knew the significance of a mother. He knew their love, devotion, and even their mother-bear instinct was of utmost importance. Thus, upon His impending death, He showed his respect to Mary, His mom by honoring her even in His last moments. He made sure she would be taken care of the rest of her life.

Mother, mommy, mom, mama. In fact, some “mom” even go by the name of aunt, cousin, or friend. However, no matter what’s she’s called tomorrow is the day to honor them. Whether she is near or far, or even if you are honoring her memory, enjoy the day. I was blessed to have a wonderful, Christian mother who loved me with all her heart. I can proudly say, “That’s my mama.”