A Mother's Love

"Wake up, Lamar!" Sybil exclaimed as she swung her legs off the old four-poster bed. "Wayne is coming in today, and there are things to do before he gets here. He is bringing his new wife, Brenda, and they will be hungry after the long ride."

"He won't be here until late tonight, Sybil. He may not even show up at all," grumbled Lamar. "Remember last year—and the year before that?"

"Well, I can't worry about that, Lamar," Sybil instructed. "Let's just be glad to see him if we can."

The rest of the day was spent cooking and cleaning, getting everything just right. It was Mother's Day, and Wayne surely knew how much his mother was counting on his visit.

After hours of preparation, every inch of the house had passed inspection, and Sybil could finally relax for a while before Wayne was due to arrive. Fearing further repercussions, Lamar had dutifully mowed the lawn and washed the car—and even one of the farm tractors.

Lamar had decided to take a much-needed nap on the plaid sofa in the living room when Sybil's phone sounded off with multiple text message notifications. She reluctantly picked up the phone and slowly read the words. It was a familiar message: Wayne is not coming.

"What's his excuse this year!" yelled Lamar.

"It doesn't matter, Lamar," Sybil murmured, struggling to hide her disappointment. "He has his life to live, and we have to accept it. It'll be alright."

Looking and feeling defeated, Sybil walked over and sat down in her favorite chair, an old rocker that creaked with every move, its groans offering a soulful testimony to the long hours passed cradling her son, rhythmically moving back and forth to the humming of "Jesus Loves Me."

Tears of love streamed down her cheeks as she vividly remembered his first sweet cry, the wobbly first steps, that first skinned knee, and the wide-eyed amazement of his first Christmas. Permanent and unstained were the memories of timeless days and nights when her world was complete.

Though her heart was broken, she still loved her son with an everlasting and unconditional love. Like many times before, she finds comfort in the deepness of her love—a mother's love—a love that spans the miles that separate her from her son.

"Get up, Lamar. We have to start work on that extra bedroom," Sybil said with renewed excitement. "Wayne and Brenda could have a new addition with them when they get here next year."