“A man works from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done.”

Such a true statement! I wonder if most women really realize what they are in for when they become a mom. I know I didn’t.

Courtesy 123RF/Igor Yaruta

I grew up as the second oldest of six children and took over major responsibilities with my older sister whenever my mom was sick, hospitalized, having a baby, or away with my dad. We had the younger children and the household well organized: meals, laundry, homework, care of the “three little ones,” but wow, Mom could never be replaced.

I also had the opportunity to babysit for many families over the years, and gained a wealth of experience in caring for youngsters. But when I actually birthed my own, it was a whole new ball game for me. There was so much more to being a mom than I had ever realized.

A Mom’s True Impact

We talk about how much work a mom does, but in reality, it’s the unseen things she implants into her children that are of far greater value. Moms hold a place in their children’s lives that can be filled by no other.

They know just how to tenderly care for each of their children. And I mean each. Every child is different-has a unique personality, specific likes and dislikes, and of course, a multitude of specific motivations and consequences that are effective along the way.

Moms have the distinct pleasure of discovering their child’s areas of strength and their giftedness. They can look beyond the tantrums and messes of the day and see the child’s heart; who he really is and who he is capable of becoming.

Even if the words are simple, the praise a child receives from his mother cannot be matched by any other. In fact, who does a person always want to say hi to when they have the privilege of being on screen—Mom!

Hang In There, Mom!

Too much of the time, moms don’t see the rewards of their labors. They serve selflessly without any compensation. Often during the busy years, neither the kids nor dad will completely appreciate the role of a mother.

But hang on. There will be those times where sweet words are poured out from their hearts or you’ll be attacked with kisses and hugs. Though they may not happen often enough, they make it all worthwhile.

When Roles Reverse

My mom and I have now switched roles. I have become the parent and she the child. Besides treasuring every moment that remains of our time together, I am taking the opportunity to tell her daily how much her care for me all these years has affected me.

She does not even know who I am, and yet she brightens when she feels my presence. One day she asked how she should introduce me to her friends. She has now dubbed me her very special friend, though she cannot remember how we met.

We sing together, laugh together, and I share stories that barely jog her memory. None of this lessens the preciousness of our encounters.

Celebrate and Appreciate—Often

With that in mind, take advantage of the time you have to show appreciation to your mom in these simple yet powerful ways:

1. Say, “Thank You!” Even if it’s a little thing, you can afford to acknowledge what your mom has done. It costs nothing and is such a valuable gift to her.

2. Celebrate her on special days. Although she may not demand it, do something special for your mom on those yearly events—her birthday, Christmas, Mother’s Day. It is not necessary to break the bank in buying a gift for her. Spending some time together will mean just as much—if not more—as an expensive piece of jewelry.

3. Say “I love you!” This heartfelt comment will mean the world to your mom. Don’t pass by any opportunity to tell her you love her and appreciate her.

To all you moms: you are an incredible gift to your children. Never underestimate the power of your influence. Only later, as our children fly the coop and establish their own families, will they truly be able to appreciate all that was sown into their lives during the formative years.

When that point comes, and you begin to hear your adult children asking, “How did you do it, Mom?”, you can lay your head on your pillow and feel assured that all your time and effort was well worth it!