Happy Mother’s Day from my youngest grandchild, Clara.
A Mother’s Heart is a Servant’s Heart
On the second Sunday of May, it’s not unusual to hear the words, “Happy Mother’s Day.” Although moms everywhere enjoy getting flowers, candy and presents, most are happy just to spend time with their families.
While it’s true many people had the idea for honoring mothers, it was Anna Jarvis who actually did something about it. Knowing her mom wanted a day where moms could be recognized, after her passing, Anna resolved that would happen. With plenty of determination, the first official celebration was held at Anna’s church in West Virginia in 1906. Although she was happy when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill in 1914 making Mother’s Day the second Sunday in May, she was unhappy to see it become so commercialized. To read more about Anna and the early history of Mother’s Day, click here.
Every family has different ways of celebrating, which might include playing games, relaxing on the porch, or eating a meal. Always doing for others, it’s nice for at least one day, when mothers can be pampered. While everyone believes their mom to be the best, one family in Salisbury, NC has good reason.
Hazel Bacon is one of those people who enjoys life. Yet, hiding behind her bright smile and positive attitude is a woman who has suffered hardships and tragedy. Widowed at the age of 26 with three young children, Hazel hasn’t had time to be bitter.
It was during a Carolina Beach vacation in 1946 that Hazel met her future husband, Bob Bacon. Falling in love at first sight, they were sad to see the vacation end. What followed was a long distance relationship, with phone calls back and forth and Bob making trips from his home, in New York, to see Hazel in Concord, NC. By the time Hazel was 19, they were married. Seven years later, after a tragic accident, Hazel was a widow and single mom.
Before that dreadful day, Bob and Hazel had a happy life with a bright future. Climbing the corporate ladder as an insurance adjuster, Bob moved his growing family to Cleveland, Ohio. Taking a second job in construction, it was while holding a ladder for a co-worker that Bob’s accident happened. The co-worker unknowingly touched a live wire and since Bob was grounding him, Bob was electrocuted. In that instant, Hazel’s life and that of her three children changed forever.
Knowing she had to make a living, after some encouragement, Hazel went to beauty school. Graduating two years later, she now has worked as a beautician for over forty years. Thinking she might retire this year at 85, she changed her mind, saying she would miss her co-workers and clients too much.
Hazel’s oldest daughter, Gail, said, “Mom’s my hero in so many ways. She never gave up no matter the challenge. She’s small in stature, but huge in her caring and loving others. Although family dinners have become difficult for her, she insists on cooking for us all. Once you meet Mom you can’t help, but like her. Such a sweet smile, but don’t let her fool you, she definitely can still intimidate her children!”
In spite of hardships and tragedies, there’s no doubt Hazel has lived a blessed life, finding purpose in helping others. The epitome of Proverbs 31:28, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed …”
If you would like to read more of Hazel’s story and the challenges she faced raising three children alone during the 60’s and 70’s, check out the May 11th edition of the Salisbury Post.
How do you celebrate Mother’s Day? What makes your mom so special? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
