To My Dear Mother

To My Dear Mother,

There are so many organizations providing for so many of the community’s needs. It feels like every week another person or organization is featured in the magazines, their incredible selflessness and accomplishments lauded. This woman is helping tens of families, that one is saving hundreds of children, yet another is providing comfort to thousands of elderly or lonely people.

And then there is you.

Your name will never grace a page in a magazine, let alone a cover, and not many people know you, but Mommy, you’re my inspiration. You’re there for every one of your children whenever we need you. You hold us close when we’re in pain, you believe in us and care for us — emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

You’re not a great philanthropist, you can’t provide us with much financial assistance, but you always show up for us when we need you. You’re the paragon of an eishes chayil. No one ever awarded you that title at a community dinner, but I’ve watched you be a supportive wife and mother, be present for your spouse and children, and treat your marriage as sacred.

I watched you look after Savta in her last years; you took the mitzvah of kibbud eim for your mother-in-law to a new level.