Mothers' Day Revisited

Time spent with two very special young people in a car today inspired me to pull out this piece. It's from Mothers Day 2007. I'm getting a little different perspective about kids right now. Being 47 and spending time around two little ones who aren't my own is certainly different than being in my early 20's and having all that responsibility...but I'm smiling a lot. And there are new lessons to be learned, I'm sure.



When The Student is Ready...

...the teacher appears, or so the saying goes. Mothers' Day came and went without much fanfare this year. I had my yearly "discussion" with my mom. She's not living anymore. I have this little talk with her each year. I like to think she's listening. I thank her for her sacrifices and let her know I'm still pretty pissed off, but working through it. I am now only about as bitter as the best chocolate, not so much like wild onions dug up in the back yard in early June.

Mother's Day was very difficult for a few years and then a good friend pointed out that I should maybe get my act together and think about the fact that my kids might want to celebrate me, of all things. He said I might want to quit wallowing in my own sorrow long enough to realize that I was still a mom, that the holiday was going to go on whether I wanted it to or not, and that I was depriving my children of the chance to be truly appreciated for their efforts. Talk about a harsh dose of reality. And a much needed one, at that.

My children are grown. I did not get to see them this year, but they called on the phone. In fact, both of them called earlier in the week, and mentioned that they would talk to me Sunday. I miss them. Of course I wish we could be together on Mothers' Day, but it is what it is. They are out living their dreams and I am thrilled for them.

Watching them grow into their dreams is so exciting for me. Here are a few of the lessons I've learned from them. They are great teachers.

Take a chance. Grab it, run with it, believe in your own strengths.

Make introductions, and don't forget to include yourself.

Give a second chance.

A dog makes a wonderful pillow.

Tea parties don't have to be elaborate, but the imagination should be.

A drive in a car can be a good time to talk, or a better time to be quiet, together.

Privacy is a thing to be respected.

The moment when you reach the arc...at the top of the swing is the best.

Moms can pitch, and sons want us to.