This month, in honor of Mother’s Day, I’m writing about how blessed we are to have mothers
who devote their lives to shaping and loving us with their unconditional love and support.
Recently, I received a card from a guy who has been working with me for more than 25 years.
He has his own family and responsibilities. A few years ago, I provided him with some
information based on my experiences, both good and bad. What I shared helped him find a
clear path for him and his family at the time.
I wonder where we would all be in this life if the one person we turned to was not there to help
answer important questions when we needed it most. For many of us, that person is often our
mother. Continuing to be present as a loving force takes strength and character, as reflected in
this poem.
The Oak Tree
By Johnny Ray Ryder Jr.
A mighty wind blew night and day.
It stole the oak tree’s leaves away,
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark.
But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around.
The weary wind gave up and spoke,
“How can you still be standing, Oak?”
The oak tree said, “I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two,
Carry every leaf away,
Shake my limbs, and make me sway.
But I have roots stretched in the earth,
Growing stronger since my birth.
You’ll never touch them, for you see,
They are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn’t sure
Of just how much I could endure.
But now I’ve found, with thanks to you,
I’m stronger than I ever knew.”
Thank you, Mama, for standing strong through the years, and for inspiring me to be a better
man, father, husband, and friend.
Live inspired,
Jimmy
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