A year ago I wrote a blog post about thanking your mom for all she does on Mother’s Day. I shared three things about Oma that I truly appreciate – her German heritage, toughness, and generosity. As both of you know, this past year has been a tough one for both Oma and Opa. They faced several big challenges to include recovering from an auto accident and navigating Opa’s serious health issues. Oma dealt with life’s challenges as she always has – with strength, tenacity, and dignity. This year I am going to share more about why I love my mom. It is my personal tribute to her for Mother’s Day. Oma is awesome. I want you to understand why.
Oma demonstrated her strength while suffering
The auto accident was hard on both Oma and Opa. More specifically Oma’s back was messed up afterward. It took the doctors quite a while before they figured out that she had multiple fractures in her back. Their diagnosis explained why she was in so much pain on a regular basis. You learn a lot about a person when they have to suffer, especially when someone is in constant pain. Many patients would ask their doctors for enough medicine to completely numb their senses. Or they would drive everyone around them crazy with endless complaints. Not Oma. She did not ask her doctors for any special treatments or medicines. She did not start whining about her condition even though she had to wear a back brace for a long time. Oma did the opposite. She demonstrated to me just how strong she really is. Some days when I feel weak I think about my mom. In difficult situations, her example gives me the strength to do what needs to be done. I know without a doubt that her strength helped carried me through several of life’s obstacles.
Opa spent a long time in the rehab center
Opa needed a long time to recover from the pacemaker surgery in order to regain his strength before returning home. He spent many weeks in a rehab center after being released from the hospital. It was not a pleasant place to stay – perhaps even worse than the hospital. I did not enjoy going there, but it was conveniently located near my office, so it was not difficult for me to swing by to check on Opa. Unfortunately, the rehab center was not nearby where Oma and Opa live. None the less Oma made the decision that she would visit Opa as much as possible. Sounds easy, but it was not.
Oma is a trooper and not afraid to go alone
On days when Perry or I would visit Opa, we would swing by Oma’s house to take her to the rehab center. I drive a Jeep Wrangler. It is a great vehicle, but it is not easy to get in and out of. Simply put – you have to climb into the passenger’s seat. No real easy way to do it. That obstacle did not deter Oma. She would climb in and out like a trooper. Never once did she complain about riding in my jeep. Oma also used Uber to ride over and visit Opa when one of us was not available. She would go alone in order to spend time with Opa.
Oma showed her love and loyalty through actions
Many people probably wonder what does love look like when you have been married for more than 50 years like Oma and Opa. My answer is simple. It looks exactly like what Oma did for Opa while he was in the rehab center. She visited every day to be there for him. She did not have to, but she did. Oma schlepped across town in her son’s uncomfortable Jeep, or in an Uber, to show how much she loves Opa. It was not easy, but she did it. I hope that one day I will find a woman like Oma. They are rare. My prayer for both of you is that one day you too will experience this kind of love. When you do, don’t let her go. You may need her much later in life, just like Opa did.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Oma is really fun to spend time with
The past year Oma and I have spent more time together than in many years. It has been great. Oma is a lot of fun. She has a great sense of humor and cracks me up on a regular basis. One of the “family secrets” I learned this past year is that Oma loves McDonald’s. We went there several times after visiting Opa. She is subtle about it, but don’t be fooled. Oma enjoys a Big Mac (the junior), and fries, or a milkshake, but not both. Of course, Oma is still skinny, so she can get away with eating there. She made me laugh multiple times when she leaned over in the Jeep and said: “do you mind if we swing by McDonald’s on the way home.” My answer was always yes. I may have snuck a Big Mac and fries a few times. Hard to say no to the fries. They are so tasty.
Oma is hysterical when it comes to her age
For many years I was confused about Oma’s age. When Perry and I were young both her and Oma swore that she was ten years younger than Opa. Turns out that is not exactly true. I found this fact out later in life while filling out paperwork when I entered the Army. Oma can easily stretch the truth when it comes to her age because she has always looked young. It became a real issue this year when I reached a milestone birthday. As both you know I turned 50 back in February. The older that Perry and I get the more difficult it has become for Oma to adjust her age. This year, in particular, was an issue as my friends wished me a happy birthday on Facebook. Oma tried to come clean. See her Facebook Post below.
No worries – Oma had a plan. She declared me to be 40 years old. She posted this “fact” on facebook which means it must be true. I feel so much younger now, and my dating possibilities increased dramatically overnight. Too funny. Oma has always been a hoot. I love you mom.
Make sure you spoil your mom on her special day
Now I want you boys to spoil your mother for her special day. Think about what makes her a great mom. Make sure you let her know that you appreciate all that she has done for you over the years. I know she will appreciate the love and attention. She deserves it.