Roy’s Sunday Letter for May 10, 2026
MOTHER’S DAY 2026
Writing about mother’s is an opportunity as well as a challenge… Readers of the Sunday Letter may have experienced birth mothers, stepmothers, mothers-in-law or other family members who provided the role of mothers as best possible.
Through our service at the Hope & Healing Place in Amarillo, we also know of mothers’ deaths, major illness and prolonger recovery. Today, dementia and Alzheimer take away the presence and guidance of mothers within a family far too often, far too early.
There are mothers in our lives who inspire and whose wisdom continues to lead all within her family. Elizabeth, our dear friend just turned 102, the mother of six children and is the respected matriarch of her expanded family. Adult children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren depend upon her as each grows, has questions, enjoys and learn through her prayers and her stories of a long and full life. We celebrate, you dear Elizabeth.
My mother provided support to me, maintained our home, and volunteered within our church and community. As I entered high school she returned to the workplace, learned new skills, and developed friendships lasting for the fullness of her life. She continued with life, friends, and church in the years following my father’s death.
There are books of the role of mother’s dating from the birth of our country, their service and contributions through wars. Workplaces and businesses have changed as well. Onsite childcare, flexible hours for children and now aging parents. Women juggle workplaces, CEO responsibilities, and travel in new, collaborative and networked ways. In a family close to us, the mother of a newborn returned to her professional role in the medical field with the father providing the care and nurture of a young child and family…a beautiful reflection of the adaptability of family roles in 2026.
So, writing about the role, value, and essential significance of mothers is rewarding and also so very important. Gratitude and thankfulness for all mothers on this Mother’s Day.
Roy, I would not be me without my mother’s love and support.
I invited my first grade class to my birthday party without telling my mother. Cars started showing up. We didn’t have much money so mother improvised by watering down a quart of orange drink and started cutting vanilla wafers into fourths, and popping popcorn in a pot on the stove. A 1949 birthday party to remember. Sorry mom and thanks.
That’s a good chuckle.
The wisdom of Mom. In the first grade I was being bullied by a classmate. I told my Mom about it and she stated I needed to defend myself; but with words. She said when it happens again tell this kid in an ugly voice that he has “ancestors” . Eventually I did this and I recall he saying uh uh, I’m telling my Mom. So, there you have it, the power of words.
My mother was the best! She had a really hard life growing up and in all the years I knew her she never complained. When my father died myMom had to go to work picking cotton on my Uncles farm. After 3 years an insurance salesman tracked her down and fulfilled a $ 5,000 life insurance policy my mother didn’t even know my Father had. She bought an old house in St. Louis and rented out rooms to pay the bills. She worked at Sears, cooked, cleaned and raised the 3 of us with always a joyful heart. Whenever I feel overwhelmed I think of her life and remember how blessed I am.