Happy Mother's Day!

Somehow, when you're on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean surrounded by fighter jets, sitting in meetings, and flying circles over the ocean, it just doesn't feel like it could possibly be Mother's Day. Yet, somewhere, a very deserving, hardworking, and busy mother is not getting the break she deserves today. One year ago today, the girls and I took Janell out for brunch at the 94th Aero Squadron, an awesome restaurant located adjacent to the runway at Montgomery Field airport in San Diego. Today, all by herself, she got all four girls up and dressed and shuffled them all into the US Air Force Academy's iconic chapel for church. After that, I'm not sure how her day went. I'm looking forward to hearing about it. But I know one thing. I wasn't there to give her the support she so rightfully deserves. Anyone who has read Janell's blog for the last couple month's already knows what an incredible woman and mother she is. I don't know of any other person alive who would even consider, let alone attempt or succeed, what she has done in this life-changing epic adventure. I love to brag about her and I do so daily out here. Guys may get tired of hearing about what Janell and the girls are up to, but I don't care. I love telling her stories! It's not just this trip that makes Janell an amazing woman. The daily devotion she shows to our girls and the sacrifices she makes for their education, their well-being, and their spiritual growth are beyond description. She is frequently complimented by complete strangers on the maturity and good behaviour of our girls. Yes, they are somewhat pre-disposed to be quiet kids (Janell and I are both introverts), but kids need to play, to be adventurous, to explore. But there is a time and place for such freedoms. Janell has tought the girls the virtue of respecting the rights of others around us to enjoy a peaceful meal in a restaurant to meditate quietly in a museum or to listen while a presentation is made. They continue to learn those lessons, but Janell is continually there for them, using those teachable moments to instruct and guide. She is so good at praising them for success, too. I look forward to the day when our girls can express for themselves their appreciation for all that Janell has instilled in them. They are on a path to become women of virtue and grace, thanks in great part to Janell's selfless committment to their growth. When I'm around, I know I play a part, too, but there's no mistaking the influence of Janell on the girls. I have my own things to teach them, but only their mommy can teach them--show them--what it really means to be a godly woman. And Janell is the perfect mommy for that job.

Of course, I would not be who I am today without the influence of my own mom. She made sacrifices of her own and put up with a lot of heartache in raising me. She taught me patience, temperance, respect, and how to be a gentleman. She can appreciate what Janell is going through, to an extent, as my dad was often gone for weeks at a time as a corporate pilot. Despite a busy work schedule, she gave selflessly of herself to make sure my sister and I had every opportunity to succeed and to accomplish whatever goals we set for ourselves. My mom, perhaps without trying, taught me the qualities I needed to look for in a wife. She wasn't perfect, just as Janell isn't perfect. But she gave motherhood everything she had and then some. And I am a better man for her efforts. Thank you, mom. Happy Mother's Day.