Early Morning Reflections on Mother’s Day

 Mother’s Day Cards

Waking up at 6:30 a.m., I felt an overwhelming need for solitude.  Grabbing the five unopened greeting cards from my desk, I quickly and quietly left the bedroom hoping not to wake the sleeping Hubby.  Leisurely drinking my morning coffee at the kitchen table, I admired and read the Mother’s Day cards that came in yesterday’s mail.

Four were from my son-in-law, GPKII, I know they were selected, purchased and sent on behalf of my two oldest grandchildren, Lady C and GPKIII.   Like me, GPKII has a passion for selecting just the right greeting cards.  Whatever the occasion, I can always count on a beautiful card from the son-in-law.

The other card was from my Florida Daughter.  I met her shortly after arriving in Florida three years ago.  This was a chance meeting outside of a local bagel shop and has grown in to a supportive and caring relationship.

I love to send and receive greeting cards.  Especially, pleasurable is selecting just the right card for the occasion.  Rarely, will I receive a card, in recognition of any occasion, from hubby, the kids and grandkids.   I know them well enough to say with confidence, sending or receiving a greeting card would rank very low on their  “makes me feel good list.”   It’s not a problem.  Their love flows toward me in more ways than I could ever count.

Four Extraordinary Mothers In My Life

 “A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us, when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.  (Essayist and Biographer, Washington Irving)

I have had the pleasure of sharing a part of my life with four Extraordinary Mothers — Mama, Carrie, Pam and Kim.  In observing them over the years, I have been blessed to see firsthand what can only be described as  “picture perfect images” of dedicated, loving, and giving Mother.

Mama, you carried me in your womb for nine months.  The two of us lived as a single loving and supportive unit for the first seventeen years of my life.  This unit was expanded to include my husband and our three children until you left us on that cold day in December of 1967.  I miss you but know you are in a place where there is an abundance of love, joy and peace.

Happy Mother’s Day Mama – Rest in Peace

Carrie, from the day I married your son, you opened up your heart and arms welcoming me into a new family.  God blessed me with a mother-in-law who loved me like a mother.  I really relied on you for that maternal support and love after the death of my own mother.  Thank you for always being there for me.  Our family’s life today is better because your door was always open to care for and love our three children whenever we asked.  During those times when the pressures of working and/or being full time students left little time for parenting, you never complained and lovingly welcomed your grandkids into your home summer after summer.   You will always have a special place in my heart.  We miss you, but know you are in a restful and peaceful place.

Happy Mother’s Day Carrie – Rest in Peace

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new. (Author Unknown) 

Pam, my firstborn God blessed me with the opportunity to be with you during the birth of both Lady C and GPKIII.  From the first day of their lives, you made them your #1 priority.  Family remains at the top of your “priority list.”  Over the past eight years following your husband’s life threatening stroke, you overcame the odds.  Though you faced challenges, you had the strength and courage to confront them.  Thank you for blessing me with two beautiful grandchildren.  I am proud to call you Daughter. 

Happy Mother’s Day Pam

Kim, my baby girl you entered the world during a trying time in my life.  Within three months of your arrival, Mama died following a two-year illness.  I am blessed she was able to hold you in her arms everyday for even that short period.  You and CJ, I oftentimes joke are still connected by the umbilical cord.  I am impressed with the countless hours you devote to ensure that CJ is afforded every opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and athletically.  Thank you for my loving grandson, CJ.  I am honored to call you Daughter.

 

Happy Mother’s Day Kim

Closing Comment

Over the last few hours of writing this post, I was interrupted with calls wishing me a Happy Mother’s Day from:

• Son, KA, and my four-year-old granddaughter – Wisconsin
• Daughter, Pam and son-in-law GPKIII – Illinois
• Granddaughter, Lady C, Wisconsin
• Daughter, Kim and grandson CJ – Wisconsin
• Nephew BW – Illinois
• Cousin Gwen – Illinois
• Cousin DL – Wisconsin

Hubby fixed breakfast, now preparing lunch with plans to pickup takeout dinner after watching his idol Tiger Woods today.  Well wishes from loved ones, two-dozen roses from kids and Hubby putting together meals for the entire day – what more could a Mother ask for on this special day?

My Mother’s Day Gift  – A Loving Family