Happy Mothers' Day

I've always struggled with where exactly the apostrophe should go, but I think I have it right....

Happy Mothers' Day to my mom, Catherine Marie (Osborne) Parks, born June 29, 1930, to Russell and Rhea Osborne of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. (Why does it already sound like I'm writing an obituary?) She met my dad during her junior year of high school, and for purely selfish reasons I'm grateful. They married in October of 1948, right after they had both graduated from high school, and by all accounts were deliriously happy together. In fact, that's all I've ever known them as--very, very happy to be together.

My mom was always "Catherine" when I was little. Sometime later, I think after we moved to North Carolina and I was in junior high, she became "Kay" and even "Kate." Lately, though, she is known as "Cathy." That's still odd to me, because she never really struck me as a "Cathy" but more as a "Catherine."

She is regal and, as far as I can tell, always together. She has endured colon cancer, 59 1/2 years of marriage, three kids, lots of grandchildren and even some great grandchildren. She has faced disappointment brought on by the decisions of others. She has loyally followed my father wherever his dreams or job took him. She has changed cultures easily and willingly--she's one of the most adaptable people I know.

Mostly, however, she has modeled Jesus to everyone. She's not a "wear your faith on your shirtsleeve" kind of person who protests at abortion clinics or spends hours trying to convert everyone to Christ. No, she's one of those genuine followers of Jesus who people seem to enjoy being around. She has won a lot of people to Christ without ever knowing the Roman Road or the Four Spiritual Laws. She has just, well, loved them like Jesus would love them.

And for that, I am most grateful. Thanks, mom, and Happy Mothers' Day!