Hello, friends, earthlings, sons, and daughters,

I know it’s human nature to want to know how to do something. Many of you often ask, “How do I show respect?” Or, “What does showing love practically look like?” While I often try to stay away from formulas and “Bill Nye the Science Guy” how-tos, I know it’s helpful from time to time to get ideas from other people, such as when I explained how a daughter could write a respect letter to a father.

You don’t HAVE to do these things, and doing them is never a guarantee of another’s response, but we have seen many people gain a deeper understanding of what makes another person feel loved or respected by giving different things a try. And if we can practice thinking about our parents and their needs, it will be that much easier to get in tune with a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse as well.

Sometimes I give too many caveats, don’t I?

Moving right along…

Today I have asked my mommacita to share with you some of her tips for how sons can make their mothers feel loved on Mother’s Day. This is her first appearance on the blog, and it’s just the beginning, folks.

So take it away, Sally! (Yes, my mother’s name is Sarah and my name is Joy, but for some odd reason we often call each other Sally and Suze. We have identity issues.)

Mommacita Eggerichs

For you men who are Brian Regan fans, do you remember the day he woke up and realized the science project was due? He said, “Oh no!” Maybe you just saw a commercial or heard at a coffee shop that Mother’s Day is just around the corner—or you’re reading this very post and thinking, “Oh no.”

Don’t panic!

As Joy’s mother and the mother of two grown sons who are men of very few words (perhaps like you), the thing I treasure most are “just a few words” from my boys in a text or a card.

That for me is the best gift ever.

That means more to me than flowers that wilt and need water. It is a reminder that they do have deep feelings for me, and writing them down makes it easier for them to say them and for me to keep them.

Believe me, I was far from the perfect mother.

Hey, don’t make me feel bad if yours was. One thing that was of great encouragement to me was the day I read that Billy Graham’s wife, Ruth, admitted to yelling at her kids, BUT they didn’t remember. She recounted how shocked she was! It made me so happy that if God could give her children memory loss, maybe He could do the same for mine.

Most mothers fear their children will remember all those times they lost their cool over potty training (my mother-in-law assured me they would learn before they went to college, and she was right) or the ongoing nagging over a messy room. But I have tried to block that out of my mind.

What my mind does remember are those one-liners that my boys have written to me on Mother’s Day or birthdays.

If you’re having a difficult time thinking of what to write, remember the things she did as you were growing up and what that meant to you.

• Did she always welcome your friends into your home?
• Did she drive you for your paper route?
• Did she help you move during college and after?
• Was she cheering you on at your games?
• Did she believe in you?
• Are there things about her you would like in a wife?
• Did she always make your favorite foods?
• Did she pray for you?

Simply thank her for the simple things, even if she wasn’t able to do much.

Remember that you have only one mother. This may be morbid, but don’t wait until her funeral to tell her the things you feel in your heart.

Guys, take advantage of these special days to practice on your mom; it will come in handy someday when you’re a husband. Just a few words, and, maybe just for her, some flowers too!

From a Mother’s Heart,

Sarah

Question

Any questions you would add to my mommacita’s list?