My mother carried me as an embryo for nine months and experienced pain no man has ever endured giving me life. For the next eighteen years she nourished me with food and education as well as protecting me from harm and disease.
She taught me to tie shoelaces, make beds, wash dishes, brush my teeth and forced me to wear warm clothing during the winter months. She coddled me when I hurt and nursed me when I was sick.
In return for all that she asked me to wipe my shoes when I came indoors and made me promise never to lie, always respect the law, be kind to others and earn my own way. I've changed my blessing at mealtimes. I now take a moment to thank my mother.