Honoring Mom In A Song

I had difficulty coming up with the words that would best do justice to this Mother’s Day post. I searched my mind but found none worthy. Yet the words not found in thought were found in the heart.

After a nine month stay at a convalescent hospital, recovering from paralysis due to Polio, my mom would sing me to sleep each night. The fears of a disabled five-year old then, and the challenges ahead not yet conceived, were tempered by the security and confidence instilled by Mom’s comforting protective loving voice. The trials of each day melted away with every lyric of the song which she chose as a lullaby that bound us to each other as she lie beside me until I gave way to peaceful sleep. I offer that song here in tribute to my mom’s memory.

“Goodnight Sweetheart”– (performed by Rudy Vallee, 1941)

Goodnight sweetheart
‘Til we meet tomorrow.
Goodnight, sweetheart
Sleep will banish sorrow.
Tears and parting
May make you forlorn.
But with the dawn
A new day is born.
So I’ll say goodnight sweetheart
Though I’m not beside you.
Goodnight sweetheart
Still my love will guide you.
Dreams enfold you
In each one I’ll hold you.
Goodnight sweetheart
Goodnight.

To my mom, who has since passed from this world, I offer a “Goodnight Sweetheart.” Throughout my life I have found comfort, security, encouragement and love within her affectionate arms. I ask now that she has found perfect peace and joy, of which she is so richly deserves, in God’s loving eternal embrace.

How blessed is the person whose choice of a mother would be that of God’s.

To all moms who inspire the best in us; A Blessed and Happy Mother’s Day.