A tribute to our Moms

Motherhood, Mom’s the most precious of all occupations. So many memories, first as a kid, when I came home with a bloody knee, beat up, my feelings hurt, who did I turn to ? Of course to Mom. Mom’s were created with the feeling of love and care, would stand up to defend their own flesh and blood. I remember Mom and Dad raising me and my six siblings, first during the Depression, then 1940 to 1945 the Second World War, parents scared, seeing some friends and family taken to concentration camps. Mom and Dad always had the door open for those in need, forever cooking meals, we were blessed to operate a small vegetable farm. Then the hunger winter of 1944-45, city people walking down our laneway, Mom and Dad never let them go without some food, Mom always caring. Then a little six year old city girl Koosje came to live with us, her Dad in a concentration camp, her Mom out of food, she first was so scared, my Mom with love settling her down, she became part of our family until some time after the war. 

Moms and Dads very scary and difficult times, that brought them to their knees, learned to trust in their Lord, and singing those awesome hymns like “I Need Thee Every Hour” and others. Then four years later Mom and Dad said we are going to Canada, new language, new country, Mom complain? No, she was an awesome trooper. The next stage, I was blessed with an awesome marriage partner, Lena becoming Mom, together raising five awesome children loved by Mom and Dad, Mom always loving and caring, always the door open for others. And also professing the faith of the Mothers and Fathers. Then in turn our daughters became Moms, then our granddaughters, all loving Moms, no not without life’s challenges, but Moms. Now at my old age, I am so blessed to be able to help serve in a senior home, where among other activities, have hymn sing and message. And it is so amazing that the resident Moms and Dads of my vintage sing along with those old time hymns we all learned to sing in the hard times, hymns that speak to us, trusting God through all the joys and struggles of life. Moms and Dads helping to guide the next generation. I am so thankful for the roles the Moms played in my life, especially my late Grandma’s Mother, mother-in-law and specially my dear wife Lena, and oh how I miss them.

Hans Visser, Taber