She looks to be in her seventies. She walks slowly with the help of a cane. She walks with her son, a large man of about fifty who is stricken with a severe developmental disability. She does her best to keep him calm, but he is agitated. His voice shrieks loudly when he tries to talk, and his arms flail in spastic chaos.
She speaks to him in a soft voice as they walk slowly down the sidewalk. She has to take him with her to the store. It’s not safe to leave him at home by himself. He needs her care. He needs her everlasting love.
This mother’s day weekend, please remember those families who struggle with extraordinary challenges. Be aware that any person you meet could be struggling with burdens that you cannot imagine.
And while we’re at it, let’s honor the constant, selfless sacrifice of all mothers, strong, loving women who rise to every challenge and overcome every burden day after day, year after year, as they care for their children. No one is as dedicated. No one is as devoted. No one is as determined, and no one else can do what they do.
