When I think of M-O-T-H-E-R

I had the distinct pleasure of singing with my mom at at mother-daughter banquet Friday night.

It all started when our ladies council president asked if anyone knew any songs about moms, and I said I'd heard one before. At the time, I didn't know any of the words, except, "M is for the million things she gave me." That qualified me to research and sing the song.

Thanks to ever faithful informational highway, I found it... and it was terrible. Here's the first verse:

I've been around the world, you bet, but never went to school. Hard knocks are all I seem to get, perhaps I've been a fool; But still, some educated folks, supposed to be so swell, Would fail if they were called upon a simple word to spell.

The composer then goes on to sing the traits of his beloved madre, each line beginning with the letters which spell out M-O-T-H-E-R. I'm sure it was touching in 1915 when it was first written, but it left me unimpressed.

Agreeing it was lame, my mom and I decided to write our own lyrics, updated for the women of 2009. (Watch here)

I don't know if anyone else really found our song funny, but we cracked each other up. And the process of writing and performing our song reminded me of just how special my mother really is.
So, sparing any form of spelling theme or alliteration, here's what I think of when I think of my mother:

- A woman who was widely known as the coolest counselor at kids camp.

- A woman whose vocal talent I first became aware of when my 4th grade music teacher told me she had the loveliest Soprano voice he'd ever heard.

- A woman who made the best with what she had, sewing us clothes throughout elementary school and convincing us they were stylish.

- A woman who treated Bible quizzing like an extreme sport.

- A woman who came to every single basketball game I ever played, no matter how busy she was.

-A woman who modeled what it means to love God's Word, as day after day, I'd find her pouring over the pages of her Bible.

- A woman who knows how to make the piano sing.

- A woman who never gives up the faith, no matter what life throws at her.

- A woman who always has a hug, a kiss and a sucker for my daughter.

- A woman who makes me laugh, and is there to hold me when I cry.

- A woman who I count as my dearest friend.

Happy (belated) Mother's Day, mom. I love you!