Dear Editor:

A mother is: a cook, a dishwasher, a laundress, an ironer, a menu planner, a baker, a shopper, a nurse, a bed maker, a house cleaner, a fixer, a seamstress, a consultant and lover.

She’s a cab driver, a peace-maker, a playmate, a listener, a sometimes sergeant, a teacher, a gift-wrapper, a wedding planner, a decorator, a window washer, a rug scrubber, a lawn mower and possibly a painter.

She laughs, she cries, she worries and prays and helps you get through those really tough days.

She makes appointments with and deliveries to: the doctor, the dentist and maybe the vet. She administers pills, gives daily support, helps with homework, collections, and directions.

A mother comes up with some cash whenever needed, and usually doesn’t see any change.

She might be fat and she might be thin, but who really cares what shape she is in? Out of bed first and back in bed last, she usually has just one more task.

But even as busy as she can be, she still has time to be a good friend, take you to church and prays you still go after you fly from the nest.

She gives out hugs, wipes away tears, and tries to erase everyone’s fears. She has time for the neighbors, the dogs and the cats, and meanwhile, tries to keep her own fears under control.

Could we measure what a mother is worth? … Never!

What kind of world would this be without them?

Let’s hope we never have to find out!

Patricia A. Ready

Whispering Pines, N.C.