Unconditional love

Friday, May 9, 2008

Her name is Elizabeth Bennett, my mother-in-law. She is here in Maryland doing something that deserves special recognition. I have known my wife, Cindy, for 35 years and we have been married these past 33 years.

During this time I have come to know my in-laws very well and the one thing that has been constant has been Cindy’s mother, Elizabeth. This beautiful lady is full of love and steady in her faith. She has a special innocence and goodness that goes beyond words. Over the years I have seen her share her love not only with family but friends and strangers alike. I have known her to do without and to share what she has with everyone she touches. She has raised a family of five boys and one girl and all have turned out to be children of whom any parent would be proud.

This is this thing known as a mother’s unconditional love, and Elizabeth has shown this ever so greatly. This January my wife was diagnosed with brain cancer and on Jan. 15 this wonderful woman put on hold her life, friends and family in Florida to come help me take care of my Cindy.

At 74, Elizabeth has the energy of a woman 50 years younger and although tired and in pain she gives her all, loving her daughter, helping with her care, comforting our grown children and organizing my home. Above all she puts up with my bad temper and reminds me God has a plan and part of that plan is taking care of our Cindy.

Elizabeth is not only a loving mother and caregiver to my Cindy she is also a light and breath of freshness in a cynical world.

Betty, I hope this makes it to print and the world knows that you are the mother that Mother’s Day best honors. From the bottom of my heart thank you, and I love you.

Bob Ellis, Waldorf