As Mother’s Day draws near, I remember my mother who passed away in 1963.
Her name was Teresa. And I still remember my mother with a great deal of fondness and love. I remember my mother trying to impress upon me the importance of respecting all those I meet and to show kindness even if that kindness was not returned.
My mother did a lot of charity work for the church and the community in Queens Village. She also went around door-to-door collecting funds for Jerry Lewis’ Muscular Dystrophy Foundation and for Cancer Care. I once asked her why she did so much for others and she said it was because she felt the Lord had given her so much and she needed to give something back. I guess what she said kind of rubbed off on me.
I have served in the United States Navy, I am now Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus in Douglaston, a member of the American Legion Post #103 and a member of St. Anastasia Parish and Our Lady of the Snows parish and a member of the Queens Village Republican Club and I also help run two blood drives a year for the Knights of Columbus. I am involved in a number of charitable activities.
Now like I said about my mother, others have asked why I try to do so much and I have responded that it was what my mother inspired me to do. Let me also mention that Sundays were a little different back then when families would all get dressed up in their best and attend their houses of worship. These scenes could be seen all over Queens Village. There was a saying back then: “A family that prays together stays together.”
When my mother passed away when I was 14 years old, my father said to me, “Don’t ever forget your mother.” Well, I never have. And to my mother, let me say,” Thank you for helping me to be all that I am today.” In closing remember your mothers both living and who have died on this day we call “Mother’s Day.”
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Mineola
