Minnesota Prairie Roots

A postcard commemorating quotable President Abraham Lincoln.

WHEN I THINK OF MOTHER’S DAY, Abraham Lincoln doesn’t come to mind. Why would he?

But, apparently, he should.

Twice today, a statement from this former President was quoted to me. The first came during the sermon at my church. The pastor quoted Lincoln: “All that I am or ever hope to be I owe to my angel mother.”

That’s sweet, I think.

Then, several hours later, my oldest daughter arrives home from Minneapolis for brunch. She hands me a Mother’s Day card. I open the envelope, pull out the card and read: All that I am or ever hope to be I owe to my Mother. –Abraham Lincoln

“Hey, isn’t that the same quote the pastor used in his sermon this morning?” I ask my husband. He concurs that it is.

But then later, much later, I notice a difference between the two statements. Which word is not on the greeting card?

Angel. The word “angel” is missing.

I wonder, was that omission intentional? Did the card manufacturer fear that fewer cards would be sold if the word “angel,” with its religious connotation, was included? That would be my guess.

What do you think?

To all you angel mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day!