Dear Pea Pals,

I am 53 years—and a half. And I have never had children. Biologically that is.

As a keen spectator and observer of people and life, I am in absolute positive awe over two categories of individuals who shape our world in extraordinary ways. Both individuals give unconditionally their love, energy, and hearts. Their job is often thankless. And often goes unrecognized. They are often bashed and criticized for not being good enough (by today’s impossible standards).  Their work isn’t always immediately visible and concrete. Yet, both individuals persevere no matter what heartache or hilarities life throws in their way.

Mothers and teachers— I marvel at you. I praise you. I hold you in my highest regard and esteem. Where do you come from? Where do you get the physical and emotional stamina to grow our youth from little people to amazing adults?

To me, the depth of a mother’s love for her children is one life’s most beautiful marvels. Like God’s love for his children, a mother’s love defies explanation. It is often boundless, forgiving, and unconditional. A mother’s love is infinite and everlasting.

Teachers spend up to eight hours, or more a day nurturing, sharing knowledge, developing skills, encouraging as well as disciplining everyone else’s children;  sometimes more than thirty kids at a time.  (By my count, even seven is a handful!) Like mothers, teachers have to make tough decisions. And have tough conversations.

Mother’s and teachers I applaud you. Can you hear me clapping? I am cheering you on.

You are both shaping and grooming our children to be valuable members of society. The children who’s lives you touch will become scientists, entrepreneurs, doctors, missionaries, influencers, inventors, philosophers, landscapers, mothers, fathers, and yes, even teachers.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. And teachers are about to finish a long, long school year with everyone else’s kids. Hug yourself. Hug your own mom. And give a verbal hug (or the real thing) to a cherished teacher.  

I will never know the depth of a mother and a child’s biological love. But I do thank God for my bonus children: Katie, Tim, and Maddy for allowing me to be part of their lives. As I wrote in Eat Your Peas Mothers to my own mother, “I think of all the times you must have been ready to give up, but you didn’t. May I be as strong of heart for those I love.”

Here’s to strong hearts and for the many blessing are children bring us—no matter how they come into our lives.

Wishing you peas and plenty of joy,
Cheryl

Cheryl can be personally reached at T) 877-224-7886 or cherylkarpen@aol.com