Josh and his Aunt Ellen

In past years, on Mother's Day I have written about my own mother and also my mother-in-law. This year I would like to honor my daughter, Ellen. There are many people in this world who play the role of mother even though they do not give birth to children nor do they adopt them. Our view of honoring mothers is often too restrictive. I think events such as this are controlled largely by the florist industry, the candy companies, and the card manufacturers.

Ellen was never married and has no children of her own. Yet she is always very concerned about the welfare of others, and especially of her family. Her only brother and his wife have one child, Joshua, who is soon to be thirteen. As his aunt, Ellen has always played a special role in his life. She does the usual things such as buying him birthday and Christmas presents. But she also has kept him overnight on occasion and has made those times very special by planning activities that she knows he will enjoy. You have only to look at the picture above to sense the special bond between them.

Ellen has a ninety-three year old grandmother who is now in assisted living. My wife and I are responsible for her care. In the winter when we go to Florida, Ellen takes over that role and visits her grandmother on a weekly basis. Grandma Martha is so appreciative of that special effort. Sometimes Ellen takes her dog Cody along. Grandma just loves to see him.

Mary and I are still very capable of taking care of ourselves, but Ellen is always ready to do those little things for her parents that make life easier. She comes to see us almost every week when we are home in Lancaster. I am sure that if the need arose, she would be Johnny-on-the-spot to be of assistance to us. She is a real joy.

So, the point is that people can be mothers even if they have no children. We all need some mothering every now and then. What a blessing it is to have someone you can count on to supply those extra moments of loving care when the need arises. Thank you, Mother Ellen.