May 8, 2022 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

By Cheryl Zamora

HONORING MOMS

(Note: This is a repost with some minor revisions). Several years ago I wrote on this column about Joyce Milgaard, a Saskatoon mom who fought long and hard for the acquittal of her son, David (story based on an editorial by well-known Edmonton news director and radio legend Bob Layton). David was convicted for the 1969 rape and stabbing death of Gail Miller, a Sakatoon nursing assistant. Joyce knows that her son is not capable of the heinous crime her son was being accused of. Against all odds, Joyce took on Canada’s justice system and the powers-that-be in the law enforcement agencies until her son was acquitted in July 1997. After 23 years of being wrongfully convicted and imprisoned, David was a free man. Then Federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Anne McLellan said, “I would like to express my admiration and compassion for David Milgaard’s mother, Joyce Milgaard, without whose tenacity and unwavering belief in her son’s innocence, this result would not have been achieved.”

I can’t help but think of all mothers who share the pain that Joyce endured but also mothers who did not suffer injustice for their child/ren but their child simply made wrong choices. Moms hardly ever give up and I dare say, “Never!” I cannot begin to imagine the sobs, the sleepless nights and pillows drenched with mom’s tears. It’s like a very slow way of dying every day that can only change until the “lost” child decides to make it right. Moms do hang on, praying and hoping against hope that nothing is too difficult or impossible to God.

Cheers to all the moms! Flowers, cakes, chocolates or a special meal can be starting points of showing our appreciation to her. But a minute or so of a private heartfelt prayer and a brief note of why she is special to you…will add life and energy to this ever-resilient human spirit called “mother”. Better yet, say, “I love you mom!” Forget your silly thoughts that it sounds “corny or cheesy” or that you’re not the expressive type! It would be better to say it now than never having said it at all or saying it when you get reunited in the next

Happy Mother’s Day!