Moms Packing Parachutes
I read a story about a navy fighter pilot, Captain Charlie Plum, who was shot down in North Vietnam and became a prisoner of war for about six years. Years after his release, Plumb went out to eat with his wife, and a man came up to him and said, "You're Plumb!" Plumb said "Yes, sir, I am." The man went on "You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down." Plumb asked, "How in the world did you know that?" The man replied, "I packed your parachute."
Later that evening, Plumb didn't get much sleep. He said,"I kept thinking about that man. I wondered how many times I might have passed him on board to Kitty Hawk... and not even said 'good morning', 'how are you?' or anything. You see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor. How many hours did he spend on that long wooden table in the bowels of that ship weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of those chutes, doing a standard (or even mediocre) job? I could've cared less...Until one day my parachute came along, and he packed mine for me."
Moms, you are the heroes who pack parachutes time and time again. As the ones in the bowels of your house ship, you weave between the different waves of life, from the simple things like folding the laundry, but also the harsh things that life sometimes dishes out. You are the rescuer behind the scenes, the warrior, the defending champion that fights off battles no matter what pain or pressures you may face. You take on the world bravely every day as you pack chutes and lunches behind the scenes making sure everyone is taken care of. If it wasn't for you, this world wouldn't even be populated!
To all the mothers, whether you are a biological mother, stepmother, bonus mother, grandmother, spiritual mother, auntie, sister, caretaker, etc., I honor, appreciate, admoish and celebrate you. When you made sacrifices that no one saw, be confident it was seen by your Heavenly Father. When it was late and dark, while everyone was still asleep you tied up loose ends like Mrs. Incredible. The prayers you cried in the waking of the morning or midnight hour was heard from heaven, even if you are still waiting for them to manifest. When there was no applause for all you've done or a medal acquired– the King of Heaven saw you and He shall reward you openly.
If you are reading this and you know a mother, take the precious time out to acknowledge who they are and reach out to them. Say a positive, uplifting and encouraging word to them. Let's not take any mother for granted for we don't know what it takes to walk in their shoes. If you are a mother, pause and appreciate yourself. You are more than what words can even say – your legacy of triumph, hope, beauty, courage, resilience, wisdom, sacrifice, unstoppableness, and unconditional love (to name a few) is a constant memorial. Without you, there's no family, no community, no nation and no humanity. You are the foundation of every generation and we need you!
While the world celebrates Mother's Day once a year, recognize your immense value all year long. Take a break at some point today and treat yourself to something good. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? You deserve it!