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I am not sure where I would be today if it weren’t for mothers. There are many women who played a role and are playing a role in my life. I’m so grateful for them all:

For my Mother –  who gave birth to me, raised me, taught me right from wrong, showed me God’s love, who helped me launch my career when, in 8th grade, I had to memorize a speech for which I was petrified (little did she know then that she also helped plant the seed for my career  as a professional speaker). I’ll forever be indebted to you, mom. 

For my grandmothers for whom I still think of fondly. They were as different as night and day and I so appreciated the contrast. My mothers mother was quiet but caring. She made blackberry cobbler every time I came to visit and she turned down the sheets on my bed – sheets that were crisp from drying in the sun. Love was the common ingredient in every meal she cooked. She was dependable, steady, predictable, cautious and despite what I thought when I was a young child, she was not only the meanest grandmother ever but the kindest. 

My fathers mother was rambunctious and outspoken. I can still hear her voice as she read to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. As an adult, I still loved to hear her to read. She loved to entertain with dialects and accents as she read classic old books and tales. She also loved to tell stories of her childhood. There was always something interesting to do at her house and she made sure to be in the thick of it. She modeling giving unlike anyone I have ever known and gave freely and regularly to many causes in her life. It was ingrained into her character and her generosity is still evident several years after her death.  

My best friends mother who took me under her wing for a year of my life when my parents moved before my senior year in high school. She made me eat vegees that I now love, laughed at my jokes, nursed me when I was sick and put up with my many teen allergies. She treated me like I was her own and asked questions when I didn’t want to give answers. 

My mother-in-law who raised my wife to be the loving and caring person she is and who loves me unconditionally despite my many faults. She never forgets a birthday or special occasion and makes me feel almost as comfortable in her home as I am in my own.

My wife who is my best friend, my confidant, my idea sounding board, and an incredible mother of our five children. She is witty, loving, caring, and is modeling so many positive character to young minds who watch her daily. She has a long memory of the good things I do and is quick to forget when I mess up. I hope my son is as fortunate as I when he finds his life long mate someday.

Thank-you mom. Thank you mothers. I love you all. Happy Mother’s Day!

Inspirational speaker Tim Richardson speaks about how giving increases employee morale, lowers employee turnover, increases customer loyalty and creates higher profits for Fortune 500 companies, associations, healthcare, and financial services. He is founder of the Bill Walter Melanoma Research Fund. For more information on Tim, go to www.TimRichardson.com

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