My love for Tolkien and his writings have lead to me to read many books about both him and his wonderful works. Perhaps it is because I am a mother, but the more I read about Tolkien, the more I find myself drawn to and inspired by his mother, Mabel. I believe she can serve as a beautiful source of encouragement for Catholic mothers, single mothers, and homeschooling mothers. Mabel, the single mother. Mabel and her husband, Arthur, were living in South Africa when J.R.R. Tolkien and his younger brother, Hilary, were born. Mabel never liked living in South African and, shortly after Tolkien's 3rd birthday, she returned to England with her two boys. Arthur had to stay in South Africa because of his job, but he intended to return to his family in England as soon as he could. Unfortunately, he was never able to because he contracted rheumatic fever. As his condition worsened, Mabel made plans to return to South Africa to care for him. That never happened either, because A