I am a mamma’s boy.  I am not afraid or ashamed to claim that moniker even though I am aware that it can have negative connotations. My dear mother has done and continues to do so much for me and I consider it an honor of the highest magnitude to carry the title “mamma’s boy”.

Since giving birth to me she has loved me constantly, encouraged me consistently and prayed for me continuously.  I am alive and well today because of her continuous prayers on my behalf.  No other power but the power of a mother’s prayer, answered by a powerful heavenly Father, can explain how I have survived too many risky and dangerous situations I put myself in when I was younger.  And I am joyful everyday because that power is still at work in my life.

The pivotal moment when I fully embraced the role of mamma’s boy happened when I was about 12 or 13 years old. Mom had been away on a rare trip without dad for one of the civic clubs that she participated in.  Immediately upon her return home dad left on a business trip for several days.  So mom had to fend for herself with my younger brother, my older sister and me.

A day or two later it was getting rough on mom because we were way less than perfect teenage children. Exasperated, mom picked up the suitcase she had not yet unpacked from her trip and headed out the door to leave. We all three stood there like the proverbial deer in the headlights and watched her walk out the door toward the car.

I overcame my paralysis quickly and ran out the door after her.  I asked her “what about dad?” to which she replied “I am not leaving your dad, he is welcome to come with me”.  It was then and there I put on the mamma’s boy cape.  I asked her what I needed to do to get her to stay.  She asked me to be more considerate and more cooperative and I agreed to that and anything else she needed. So to this day, if my mom asks me to do something, anything, I agree and do it. No questions, no arguments, just do it.

What I get in exchange is what I have always had, her constant love, consistent encouragement and continuous prayers.  I think I get the better part of that deal.