I maintain a photograph on my desk at work, which serves as a constant visual reminder of the family in which I was raised. The photograph was taken at my aunt Mary’s house, and it was one of the few occasions on which my mother was included in the image. It is, therefore, unsurprising that she was usually the one taking the photographs.
The photograph portrays my idealised memory of my mother, depicted in a white dress adorned with flowers. The photograph depicts my mother smiling, her lips forming a Mona Lisa-like curve, with my father and my sister positioned beside her. She epitomises beauty, grace and all that is good and honourable in the world.
Her life was not without significant challenges. At the age of eight, illness resulted in the dissolution of her family unit. She was subsequently placed in the care of an elderly aunt, who, upon recognizing her limitations in providing childcare, sought alternative arrangements. My mother relocated once more, this time to reside with a family acquaintance and her daughter.
Upon marriage, her husband was forced to lose his job, resulting in the couple being thrust into a state of poverty. During this period, she discovered that she was pregnant. Despite the challenges she faced, she persevered in her pregnancy and I was welcomed into the world nine months later.
In the subsequent period, my mother became pregnant once more. The financial difficulties were considerable. Nevertheless, her mother-in-law presented her with a toast and declared, “Anne, I salute you!” I am forever indebted to the child who was born after her, my adored little sister.
My mother was gifted with a talent for language, as evidenced by the prediction in her high school yearbook that she would become an editor. Additionally, she served as a teenage reporter at her local city newspaper.
I recall an incident from my childhood with particular clarity. It occurred when I was six years old. My mother, sister, and I were traversing our local area when I made an inadvertent error in my vocabulary. I used the term “ain’t,” which is considered to be a colloquialism. My mother informed me that I was never to use such ungrammatical language. It is possible that the genesis of my life as a writer occurred in that moment.
The passing of my mother occurred many years ago. Nevertheless, her aspirations of spiritual conviction and familial devotion persist within me. I am indebted to her for the profound lessons she imparted to me, the majority of which were conveyed through her actions. Furthermore, I hold her memory in the highest regard, cherishing it forever in my heart.
On this occasion of Mother’s Day, I would like to pay tribute to my own mother and to all the women who, through their role as mothers, have contributed to making the world a more compassionate place. Their love is a source of strength for humanity and brings joy to our homes, communities, and country.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
