Observing and experiencing a mother’s love is astounding. My mother’s love has been no exception. The discipline, dedication, and distance she’s gone to for my siblings and me are impressive.

Her firm hand of discipline was consistent during my childhood. I remember hiding in the weeds, playing with my neighbor friend, and Mom sending my brother Greg to get me. Feelings of independence and rebellion swept over me, and I refused, denying he carried Mom’s message. I proudly decided to return home when I was ready. I appeared at the door of our shack. Mom was waiting with a switch in her hand, so I ran. I quickly covered a block and climbed a tree. I was out of Mom’s reach, but she stood firmly at the base of the trunk. I’ll never forget her warning: “Lisa, you can’t stay in that tree all day, and I’m here until you come down.” I surrendered, and she switched my legs all the way home. I never ran from Mom again. I learned to obey.

I often reflect on Mom’s ability to stay dedicated to parenting despite marriage problems and financial hardships. I’d imagine she felt like giving up, yet she woke us up for school daily, cooked from scratch, washed our clothes, and cleaned our shack. I learned to persevere.

Mom vowed never to fly, but she did once. My brother Greg was preparing for his final brain surgery at Cedars- Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. She boarded a plane with my sister and me, making the trip to California. She was willing to travel a great distance to support her needy child. I learned to go the distance.

I’m now disciplined and dedicated to caring for Mom. The distance isn’t a five-hour plane ride across the United States but an unknown distance stretching me further than I feel possible. Mom probably felt stretched beyond capacity many times, yet she pressed onward. She’s now unable to be a mother, yet God hasn’t taken her home. I suppose I’m living what I learned from Mom.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35