A Mother’s Sacrifice



photo credit: www.topmom.areavoices.com

My son frequently goes to a local recreation center near his school. The center is connected to a church and is operated by members of the church. Half way through the rec night there is a devotion period.

On one occasion the devotion period centered on the story of a mom with one eye and the embarrassment her son faced. The story was displayed on a big screen and a discussion followed. Below is the story. It reminded me of the sacrifices we make as parents and sacrifices our parents made for us.

My mom had only one eye. I hated her…She was such an embarrassment. She cooked for students and teachers to support the family.

There was one time during my primary school when my mom came to say hello to me. I was so embarrassed. How could she do this to me? I ignored her, threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school, one of my schoolmates said, “EEEE, your mom has only one I!”

I wanted to bury myself. I also want to my mom to just disappear. I confronted her that day and said, “If you will only make me a laughingstock, why don’t you just die?” My mom did not respond… I didn’t even stop to think about the words I hurled at her because I was full of anger. I was oblivious to her feelings.

I wanted to be out of that house and have nothing to do with her. So I studied real hard, and got a chance to go abroad to study. Then I got married. I bought a house of my own. I had kids. I was happy with my life and the comforts. Then one day, my mother came to see me. She hadn’t seen me and years and hadn’t even met her grandchildren.

When she stood by the door, my children laughed at her and I yelled at her for coming over to my house uninvited. I screamed at her, “How dare you come to my house and scare my children!” GET OUT OF HERE NOW!!! And to this, my mother answered calmly, “Oh, I’m so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address.” As she disappeared out of sight.

One day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. So I lied to my wife that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went to the old shack just out of curiosity. My neighbor said that she died. I did not shed a single tear. They handed me a letter that she had wanted me to have.

My dearest son,

I think of you all the time. I’m sorry that I came to your house and scared your children. I was so glad when I heard that you were coming for the reunion. But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you. I’m sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you were growing up.

You see, when you were very little, you got in an accident, and lost one eye. As a mother, I couldn’t stand watching you having to grow up with one eye. So I gave you mine. I was so proud of my son who is seeing a whole new world for me with that one eye. I wanted you to be successful in life. Till van…I love you my son.

With all my love to you,

Your mother

 Author Unknown

 

Do you remember your mom making sacrifices? Have you may sacrifices as a parent?