4.26.2008

Mother's Day is Coming!

Mother's Day is only 2 weeks away! How did that happen?

Tonight Math asked me if I had special requests for Mother's Day -- and I was amazed to discover that it's not far away. I had to admit that I hadn't given it any thought whatsoever. It just didn't seem possible that it's so close.

Mother's Day is important to me. It's a special opportunity to reflect and to express love and gratitude for the moms in my life. There are four Moms I especially need to remember: my mom, my mother-in-law, my daughter and my daughter-in-law [moms to my grandkiddoes] are all very dear and I love them immensely. I have learned so much from them and I'm proud to be a part of their lives. I'm grateful for the examples they are and I want to be like them.

One of them raised me, loved me and taught me, despite my smart mouth and cranky attitude. I repaid that by moving away from home at age 18 and never coming back to stay. But she still loves me and makes that clear.

One of them accepted me into her family and allowed me to whisk her only son and youngest child away and turn him into a husband and father. She still loves me too, and I've always appreciated her willingness to share.

One of those moms is our only daughter. I have spent my life loving her, learning from her and enjoying every second I've had with her.

One of them is a daughter of the heart. Tara was my very first in-law and she is someone I was happy to give my son to because I knew she loved him like I do.

Each one is my friend, and they're all wonderful moms. They are all very different and I'm sure I try their patience regularly. But I love each one and will always be thankful for their roles in my life.

And they all love me too. I think.

Blessed. That's me.

15 comments:

Maren said...

What a fantastically beautiful tribute to the moms in your life. :) It's truly wonderful.

Jori said...

Wow! that is coming up soon! You are such a sweet mother/daughter/mother in law. They are all lucky to have you too!

Unknown said...

you're so sweet, mama! thanks for your kind words.

. . . . . . . . . said...

I know they love you. You are such an awesome person.

hoLLy said...

of course they love you! whats up with the "i think" line? :) what would we do without all of the amazing moms out there?

Ashley said...

I'm grateful for the women in my life, too! You are a great example to me and so many others!

Chris and Tara Mason said...

Of course we all love you - and we all feel pretty darn blessed to be a part of your life!

Natalie Scott said...

Yay for moms! What a sweet tribute, and what a great mom you are! Of course, loved & cherished as well :)

jaacs said...

You are amazing. I had to speak in church on Mother's Day three years ago and I tried to talk about all the different Mom's in my life and I can tell you that it didnt come out half as good as your tribute did. Nevermind that I left my talk at home and was winging it. You, my friend, are a wonderful person and I'm so blessed to know you and to have such a great example to look to.

Hacking it up said...

What a great post! I need to reflect on that attitude instead of Crap! What am I going to get my mom and mom-in-law? Thanks!

Marilee said...

2 weeks away? I guess we won't be in our house until my birthday....June 7th. Maybe.

I love your post and your thoughts. You sound like such a great person and your daughter is lucky to have such a fun and wonderful mom. I miss her but I have lots of fun memories.

Mel said...

Hooray for Mother's Day! I can't believe it's coming up so soon.

tiburon said...

What a sweet tribute!

Kristi said...

That was beautiful, Jan, and well said! You are lucky to be so close toallof the Moms in your life! I really never appreciated my own until I had kids--then my eyes were opened. kristiwright626Moms are incredible!!!

Mia said...

What a sweet and tender post Jan. You always make me feel so grateful for the things/people in my own life!