Are You Raising One of the Next Generation of Hoodlums: Honoring Mothers

Mothers’ Day is a day when we celebrate our mothers who are alive and those who have passed on to glory, and those of us who know we had good mothers still honor them with fond memories that are perpetual. But for the boys who are currently being raised by their mothers, this is a perfect time to let Mothers know that you are listening when they teach, and that they are not raising one of the next generation of hoodlums. The following letter is one a boy could present to his mother to let her know that her teaching is not in vain:

Dear Mother,

I know that there are times when you talk to me that you feel that what you are saying goes in one ear and out the other. But I want you to know that I hear you. Not only do I hear you, but I take seriously what you say to me. I know you love me
and want only what is best for me, and I love you too and want you to be pleased with me.

I know you think that I am unaware of all the sacrifices you make for me. But I want you to know that I am aware of them, maybe not all of them, but certainly many of them. I also want you to know that I appreciate all that you have done and all that you do for me.

I know you want me to be happy and that you do a lot to make me happy, and I want you to be happy too. You do many things to assure my happiness, and I want to do everything that is within my power to assure your happiness. I know that whenever I succeed, you are happy. And I promise you I will succeed. I will study hard and make good grades in school. I will behave respectfully to my teachers. I will choose friends who stay out of trouble. I will not hang out with kids who shoplift or do drugs. I will honor the curfew you have set for me. I will go to church and Sunday School without complaining, and when I am there, I will pay attention to what is being taught, as you have reminded me to do many times. I will be polite, and I will say please and thank you when appropriate.

Mama, I know you want me to become a man that you can be proud of, and I promise that I will make you proud of me. I promise that you are not raising one of the next generation of hoodlums!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Special note: Readers are invited to hear the author’s internet radio talk show. Tune in to www.kebnradio.com at 10a.m. Saturday mornings CST. You’re also invited to visit www.untealthen.com for literary works by the author.