Mothers

There are many things that have occurred at the Sisters of Charity Foundation over the last few months. We have a lot to be thankful for and proud of and our work continues to be fulfilling and promising. There have been some personal things going on too. I am going to share some of my personal thoughts with you as we approach Mother’s Day this year.

In the last four months, both my mother-in-law and my mother died. Both were in their late 80s so their passing was not unexpected but it was very sad and difficult. So as Mother’s Day arrives this year, it feels very different for me. My mother-in-law, Sara Jane, was a person that always put other people first. She was kind, loving, sensitive and genuine. I never once saw her put on airs or try to be somebody she wasn’t. She had a way of making each individual person feel extremely special. She could make or fix anything. My wife, Doris, her daughter, has a lot of those same qualities too. They say that we often grow up to be our parents and, for Doris, that is a wonderful thing. Her mother was as special as any woman I have ever met. Even though Alzheimer’s took her away from us a few years ago, her passing in December was a time of great sadness. I miss her dearly.

My mother, Johnnie, was a doting and loving mother. She was always worrying about my brother and me. She raised us in a strong Christian, small town environment. She gave us the grounding to treat others with respect and always try to do your best in every single situation. My mother lived a life of love surrounded by family and friends. She taught me to be kind and loving to all people no matter whom they were or where they came from. “God made us all equal” she would say and she meant it. Mother died suddenly in February and it has been extremely difficult. I miss her so much; I saw her on a regular basis and her death has left a void for me and my family.

But my mother and mother-in-law live on. They live in my wife and me and their memory lives in and with many people that we come in touch with each day.

On behalf of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, I would like to wish a happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers out there. May each of us give you the love and support you deserve and never take you for granted. Mothers are the lifeblood of each and every one of us and, they continue to touch us, either through their loving hands today or through the memories of that love from the past.

Tom Keith is the president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina

Thinking About Mother

I think Mother’s Day is one of the best days of the year. For me, it is a time to celebrate my own mother’s contributions to my life and reflect on the wonderful memories of the past. My mom is elderly and in poor health, but she lives nearby and we can visit on a regular basis. I see her almost every day and she is still my biggest fan and my biggest critic. With mom, there is no sugar coating. If you have circles under your eyes, you are going to hear about it. If you have on a snazzy tie, you will get a compliment. If you have gained a little weight, she will bring it to your attention. I love that about mom. It is pure honesty.

The other day, mom said to me, “You still love me a lot don’t you?” I replied, “I can’t believe you asked me that question mom, of course I love you with all my heart.” She grinned and said, “Just checking.” Then, I asked her, “Do you still love me?” and she said, “Oh my goodness, more than tongue can tell.” I had never heard that expression before but it really made me feel good.

I have wonderful memories of mom in our hometown in West Virginia. She always wore an apron in the kitchen and was always cooking something for us. She was a faithful member of the local Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and served on several boards and committees. My mom has lived her faith in her daily life as well as anyone. She had a job in the local bank that positioned her in the middle of the lobby. She greeted every single person who came into the bank with a smile and a warm welcome. I still have people come up to me today and tell me how much mom influenced their lives. She supported them through a divorce or gave them advice during a pregnancy or was just there to listen when people needed to talk. That is a great quality-listening, and mom has always been a great listener. She nursed my wounds both inside and out and I went off into the world a much better person because of her.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we celebrate a bond like no other. Our moms birthed us and cared for us, raised us and sent us out into the world. I am blessed to still have my mother as part of my life. There is no one else like her and there never will be. I wish a Happy Mother’s Day to every mother out there. You deserve this special day.

Tom Keith is the president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina