Happy Mothers Day!

    Mom at 84, taking her first great-grandson out for a walk

For as long as I can remember, my first thought upon hearing the words "Mother's Day" has been an appreciation of my wonderful mom. We had our ups and downs, like any mother and daughter, but in her later years we became the best of friends. My mother could make me laugh like no one else could, and we had great conversations and shopping trips together. I greatly admired her devotion to my father, her wonderful cooking and organizational skills (neither of which I inherited), and her quiet strength when things got tough. She was a real lady, and each day I enjoyed watching as she applied her makeup and styled her curly hair. She was so skillful, and throughout my life I became accustomed to seeing her hands creating beautiful embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, crochet, hooked rugs and sewn items. When my sister and I were young, she knit us sweaters with little scottie dogs worked into the pattern, and even made us wool coats when we were a bit older. She made me feel very special, and I miss her.

With my daughter circa 1985

These days,  I also appreciate my own role as a mother. My daughter, now 33, was a creative and funny child. We too had our "moments" as she grew up, but we are now very good friends and I admire her greatly. She is a professor at an art university in Canada, an author and an inventor, and a wonderful young woman. Could I be more proud of her? I don't think so!

 I've been very blessed with wonderful people in my life,

including my sweet husband, who surprised me with these flowers.

To every mother who reads this,

I wish you a happy day,

and the love and respect

you so deserve.

And to those who are not mothers,

I hope you hold good memories of your 

own mothers on this day.

Happy Mothers Day!!