Key Virtues: The Characteristics of a Mother” by Lauren Bourque

“Key Virtues: The Characteristics of a Mother”

by Lauren Bourque

Upon taking an ethics class, I was tasked with writing an essay on an individual who I believe possesses many key virtues. It is impossible to think of a more suitable person to base this essay on other than my mother. She possesses almost all of the key virtues described in the course. In this essay, I will list four of her virtues and provide examples for each one.

The first key virtue I wish to describe is love. My mother is undoubtedly one of the most loving individuals I have ever met. I could list countless examples of how she has gone above and beyond in her life to demonstrate love; however, for the purpose of this essay, I will choose only one. My aunt was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease as a teenager. In 2012, she went into kidney failure. At that point, her only option was to undergo dialysis multiple times a week until a kidney became available for transplant. In March of 2013, my mother selflessly donated a kidney to her sister. My mother performed this act purely out of love. She sacrificed her own health to give her sister the opportunity to live a long and happy life. It is clear to me that love is a powerful virtue my mother possesses.

The second key virtue I want to describe is generosity. Throughout my childhood, my mother worked in the insurance industry. She didn’t earn large amounts of money; however, she made enough to pay the bills and put food on the table. Regardless of the fact

that money was tight, my mom found a way to give me a private school education at one of the most prestigious Christian schools in San Antonio. My tuition consumed a large majority of my mother’s paycheck. She never treated herself to any of the elegant things a mother deserves, and she gave up her retirement to put me through private school. It was her desire to provide me with the best education possible, even though it meant sacrificing certain things she wanted and needed.

The third virtue that I admire in my mother is strength. A few years before I was born, my father was involved in an accident at the river and broke his neck. Unfortunately, he is now disabled. My mom spends her life taking care of my father and me. She graciously took on the role of breadwinner for the family yet still manages to smile even though the weight of the world is on her shoulders. Her immense strength continues to amaze me each day.

The fourth and final virtue I admire in my mother is wisdom. Throughout all the trials life has thrown in her face, she continues to seek the Lord for wisdom. Her relationship with our Father in heaven is something that I strive for in my own life. I can come to her with anything, regardless of whether it is spiritual or just an everyday minor issue. My mom is wise beyond her years. She has lived through tremendous trials and has gained wisdom through those experiences. A little over two years ago, my mom found out that I was pregnant with my first child. Initially, I was terrified and contemplated giving my daughter up for adoption. My mother stated that while she would support my decision, she felt that I might eventually regret my choice. She calmed my fears and explained to me how motherhood would be the ultimate blessing in my life. After my

daughter was born, I realized that my mom was correct all along. I am thankful every single day for her. Her words of wisdom are what saved me from giving up my daughter and making a terrible mistake. I pray that one day I am half as wise as she is.

It is safe to say that my mother has taught me the majority of what I know. She has shaped me into the woman I am today. She is and will always be the first person I turn to. The bond between my mother and me is a beautiful thing that I wouldn’t trade for all the treasure in the world.

My mom raised me to see the beauty in everything. She taught me to love unconditionally and share that love with those around me. She has taught me to give generously and without stipulations. One instance of my mother’s impact on my life comes to mind. A woman was standing outside Walmart begging for food to give her son. I watched as people passed her without even giving a second glance. My heart ached for this woman. I went into Walmart and purchased a bag of groceries to give to her. The look in her eyes when I handed her the food warmed my spirit. I performed this act of kindness because my mother taught me to be generous, kind, and loving in all circumstances.

Additionally, my mother has given me the strength to tackle anything life wishes to throw my way. I’ve watched my mom display enormous amounts of strength in her own life. She is the perfect example of the individual I wish to become. My mom has instilled in me the belief that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. I was a shy child growing up and was always afraid of failure until I started closely observing my mom. Through success and failures alike, she remains strong, resilient, and hopeful.

In addition to strength, my mom has instilled in me the burning desire for wisdom that can only be found through our Lord and Savior. I believe that there are two types of wisdom. The first type is gained from life experiences. The second type is gained through a relationship with the Lord. It is clear that my mom possesses both types of wisdom. I’m not afraid to admit that I fall short in this area; however, my mother continues to encourage me to learn from life’s experiences and seek God’s wisdom in everything I do.

In conclusion, my mother is responsible for the person I am today. She has taught me to love, give without stipulations, be resilient in times of trials and tribulations, and seek God’s wisdom in everything I do. I would be completely lost without her guidance in my life. I thank the Lord every day for blessing me with such a loving and selfless mother. Her impact in my life will continue through my daughter and through generations to come as well. I hope that I am able to be a wonderful mother to my daughter, just as my mother is to me.