I miss my mother immensely. I miss her hugs, her confidential knowledge, her sweet perfume smell, her positive attitude, her wise sayings, and, of course, her delicious cooking. She passed away in 2013 after battling cancer.
My mother, like many, was resilient. Her parent’s divorced when she was in second grade. She was the youngest of five children, three of which were thirteen, fourteen, and fifteen years old. Her closest sibling was her sister, Wanda. They were two years and two days apart. A single mother raised them.
Mom would reminisce about how at times, they were hungry – they only had a piece of bread and water for dinner. They later moved in with her grandfather after their grandmother died. I find it amazing the trials and challenges our mothers incurred growing up and how they became such incredible, remarkable women and mothers. Mom always said, “Adversity builds character.”
Each May, Mother’s Day allows us to show our gratitude. It is a time to write that heartfelt note and take Mom to brunch, give a gift card to a local spa, or even try your hand at cooking that special meal for her.
Several ideas to make your Mother’s Day extra special are:
- Make a small book - Take a special picture (make a copy) of your mom and make a little book – the picture can be used as the front cover and then include several pieces of blank paper cut to the same size, have members of the family write something special about mom/grandma and then staple together or punch a hole at the upper left corner and then use a loose-leaf book ring to keep it all together.
- Create Coloring Pages – Print coloring pages for your small children to color and embellish for their mom/grandma. You might also use these as placemats.
- Purchase a Recordable Book – Have each family member take a page or two and read the book – which grandma can later listen to repeatedly, especially if she doesn’t live close by.
- Gift Card to her favorite store – This could be a craft or clothing store.
- Gift Card for a massage or facial – You can get a relaxing spa gift card to pamper mom.
These are a few of the ideas that came to mind. Also included are a few websites you might want to check out.
- https://www.countryliving.com/shopping/gifts/g1441/mothers-day-gift-guide/
- https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-mothers-day-gifts-for-mom.html
- https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-mothers-day-gifts-online
- https://www.uncommongoods.com/gifts/mothers-day-gifts/mothers-day-gifts
Before I close today, I’d like to apologize for a statement about playing with a laser with your pet. A friend called me to tell me about their adopted rescue dog, which had severe issues when a flashlight, car light, or bright light showed near her dog. He became agitated and inconsolable. So, I’d like to retract my statement about using a laser to play with your pets or at any time to flash it toward a person, car, or airplane. I’m sorry for the misleading information.
I pray you and your family will have a blessed Mother’s Day.
All my best,
Julie
**If you’re interested in writing, please check out the two websites listed below. I have been a part of both of them.
- Bookcamp https://chad-allen.mykajabi.com/a/37195/22cnXiLJ is a great place to learn to write your story for your children and grandchildren. Inspirational people to guide you all the way.
- LifeWriter’s US https://lifewriters.us – I’m currently enrolled in this program. Starting on May 7th, a new FREE Writing Challenge will kick off. Go to the website and signup.