Flowers are blooming, the weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer...aaaahhhhh, how lovely, spring is finally here. It is also that time where you find the stores are filled with Mother's Day cards and gift ideas.
Recently, on one of my frequent shopping trips :), I was passing by all these Mother's Day goods, and I began to think "Would I like this? Would mom like this?" I pick something up thinking, this is nice, but then I find myself putting it back down. Do I really need to buy something for my mom to celebrate Mother's Day? Is this really the best way to show her my love and appreciation? Years ago I would have thought yes, but today as a mother of two, things have changed for me.
My oldest daughter just turned 12 and I often catch myself thinking, if I could just go back to the days when she would curl up on my chest and we would fall asleep together while watching Sesame Street. If I could just bring back the first day she walked or the the first time she said mommy. If I could...but I can't. The only thing I can do is embrace these new memories I have, the special moments, the one's I never want to forget.
My mom was very young when she had me... my sister and brother were not far behind. She did the best she could do for us, the best she knew how. I'm sure she misses the touch of her children, the time spent alone, the laughs and cries. The feeling of being needed and wanted. But today, my mom is a grandmother to 4 girls and the mother in her shine's when she is with them. She embraces her second oppurtunity to give all the love a mother can give. We all have busy lives and family's of our own, but even still my mom ensures that we get together once a week for family dinner.
I feel the most important gift I can give my mom is to tell her that I love her and that she is always needed and wanted (ok, maybe not in my face all the time lol). Her support, generosity, and love for me and my family mean more to me than anything. Grateful that she brought me into this world and shaped me into the woman I am today.
What do I want for Mother's Day? To spend time with my girls cuddling in bed with a book, listening about their day, and maybe a card (because I LOVE cards). These are the gifts that no one can buy, and can never be thrown away. As a mother, I hope I am doing the best job that I can and that my girls know that the love I have for them is unconditional and will never ever end. Once a mother, always and forever a mother.
So, for this Mother's Day, spend some beautiful quality time with the woman that means the world to you. Share some laughter and stories together, embrace each other's presence. For those that have lost that special someone, remember them the way only you know how. Life is a gift to all of us, the people that love and care for you complete it. Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there. You are loved, admired, and respected by so many.
Stella
