"So what do you want for Mother's Day?" I'd ask my mom once I had started a life of my own, away from home.
She'd always reply with, "I just want you here." I'd roll my eyes, give an "Oh, mom" and drive home to celebrate Mother's Day with her, year after year with a carefully selected card and small gift in hand.
On our last Mother's Day together, just days before her death, I sat on the edge of her rented bed and looked out the sliding glass door wondering what life would be like without her. It was difficult to imagine. I held her hand that day for the first time in a long time.
Shortly after her death, we planted a magnolia tree in our yard. It's grown so much in the past six years. This week, it began to bloom. And as I watched my two children slither down the slip n' slide and dart across the sprinkler soaking in their magic on my very special Mother's Day, I took a moment to walk beneath the magnolia tree. There on a low limb was a precious new bloom just beginning to reveal its beauty.
They say that time heals all wounds. Maybe so.
I just want you here.
Technorati Tags: mother's Day, mothers, life and death, one of my favorite things
Sunday, May 13, 2007
A Mother's Day Gift
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9 comments:
What a beautiful sentiment. And somehow? I think your mother *is* there.
What Karen said. I hope it was a healing day for you... sounds like it was.
Whew. Powerful. My mom is here... in body; in mind, unknown. Who is here? Who isn't? As long as we remember someone, that someone is here.
I love this.
tears to my eyes. You have a way with words, and more importantly with your life, that shines through. Thank you for sharing this. For me mother's day is always a painful reminder of what I don't have. Perhaps I'll plant something, a gentle recurring reminder. very sweet. thank you.
Thank you for being here. I love hearing from you.
After my mother died, I'd hear people in my office bitching and moaning every Mother's Day on what to do for the holiday. There seemed so little joy in it.
And as they groused I sat silently at my desk and thought how much I would love just to be able to send my mother a card, to hear her voice on the phone, one more time.
Beautiful...you are so wonderful, in word and spirit. Glad you have your flowers and your own little ones to celebrate with.
My darling MIL died last year. A month before my daughter was born. It still isn't easy and I still want her here too.
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