Mother's Day

Mother's Day is May 9th and also my oldest daughters birthday. 

I've never been a big fan of mother's day, I'm thinking it had a lot to do with my relationship with my own mother.  Buying a card and perhaps a gift.  The cards all saying things like you've been so good to me, you were always there for me, you supported and encouraged me and gave me everything.  This wasn't my mother.

When I became a mom, I was terrified.  I didn't know what to do with Carrie--she couldn't tell me anything in the beginning but eventually she found her voice and now she tells me everything.

Mother's Day would come and the husband and kids would go out and buy a card.  Did they do it because they wanted to or because it was customary to do? 

I don't want people to do things just because it's customary, I want them to do things for me because they want to.  They know that there's no other reason but out of love and desire to please.

One year, I came home from church with Martin and found a plant and a small card from Shelli.  What a surprize as I didn't know she would do that for me.

Another year, Candice surprized me with a gardening book.

These are all things that were done freely on their part and I can't tell you how much they meant to me.  It showed their heart.  What we do for others is a clear indication of our heart and our feeling for others. 

So on Mother's Day this year, I'm thinking I'm going to be alone with Martin in Minnesota.  But I'm not going to be alone. 

As I was talking to Brenda and Jay at the dog park, they asked me what I was going to do for Mother's Day.  I told them I was going to go to Cracker Barrell and indulge in pecan pancakes.  Brenda said, I don't have a mom, can I come?  Jay said, I like Craker Barrell, can I come?  We can be your kids for the day.

Today, Sheila, Robin and Dylan asked if they could come.  I can't tell you how loved I felt by people coming around me and wanting to share time with me.

It's these actions that I most remember and keep stored.  The unselfish acts of kindness.  It doesn't get much better than that.

Love to everyone who has given unselfishly to me.  For loving me as I am, for being patient when I ask the same question twice or don't understand how to do something.  For understanding my health issues and being compassionate about them, for helping me when needed, for holding me when I cry, and most of all for praying for me.

To my daughters who are mothers, may you always cherish the time you spend as a mom.  It's a good job, not always rewarding, but always a good job. 

May you stand tall and tough as the little ones forge into their own person, testing the waters with actions and language.  May you stand united with your husband as the teen years come on you and you want to pull your hair out.  May you remember that through the years, God is constantly pulling and stretching the umblical cord so that when they graduate it tears.  May you remember when they find their way into the world on their own, that they are still going to need you and you them.

And as they grow older and make good decisions, you will become more and more proud of them as individuals.  As they step off the narrow path, may you take the time and pray for them. 

And lastly, may you always tell them you love them no matter what.  They can get mad at you, they can fight with you, they can sometimes say hurtful things, but you will always love them!!  And that, no one can take away.

Happy Mother's Day.