A Tribute to my Mother

On this Mother's Day, I wanted to take a few moments to honor my mother - Carla Jordan. I am blessed beyond measure to have been given a mother of her caliber. Not only is she a wonderful mother, but the same could be said about her role as wife, daughter, sister, mother-in-law, "Mimi", "Aunt Tar-Tar", friend, and employee. When I look back at how I was raised, and my mother's influence in my life, I see a perfect example of a mother. She sacrificially gave of herself for the benefit of her family. She put her wants and needs behind everyone else's, and still does to this day. I could go on and on with praises and accolades for my mother, but the following passage from the Bible does a pretty good job of summing up my thoughts of her:

Proverbs 31:10-31 (The Message)
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

Momma, you truly are a woman to be admired! I love you! Have a Happy Mother's Day!

Me and Momma 30 years ago

My Senior year in high school right after winning the game that sent us to the state tournament - She never missed a game I played in and I bet there were close to 1000 of them.

First day as "Mimi"