Mother's Day

Today is a day we celebrate moms.  It's a day a lot of moms want to kick back and relax.  Get a massage.  Have the hubs take the kiddies (far) away for a few hours so she can catch up on The Real Housewives without having to pause and rewind a thousand times because someone is crying, or screaming, or asking you what to do if the baby is crying or screaming.  I think that's great!  And I think its up to each mom to decide how she wants to spend her day. 

Me?  I just want my pancake breakfast.  Its a tradition my husband and I started when I was pregnant for the first time.  We couldn't have known a few short weeks later, we would suffer a tremendous loss that would make me think I would never celebrate Mother's Day again, or that it would never be the same if I did.  We went for pancakes the next year and it wasn't the same, but it felt good to be celebrated.  I was still a mom - just in a different way than most everyone else.  A few short days after that breakfast we learned I was pregnant with Ryan.  And last year, we were waiting for Sam to arrive.  Its a special day for me, for so many reasons.  So, I want to spend it with my husband.  I want to spend it with my kids.  I am amazed by them.  I am amazed that they are here.  I am amazed at how they have changed my life and how I love them with all my heart. 

Age Old Question - Post picture where mom looks good or mom looks good?  How 'bout neither?

On paper, the rest of my day is a whirlwind.  Driving from here to there, crossing state lines, and trying to make sure we fit everyone "in."  But, to me, I'm lucky!  I spend my day surrounded by my best moms.  I can't think of a better way to spend a day set aside to celebrate such an important person in everyone's life. 

I am lucky to have spent the day with my wonderful ninety year old Nana.  I call her and tell her stories about my boys - she says, "Been there.  Done that."  Thank you.  Thank you for having been there...having done that.  Because if you hadn't, I wouldn't know anything.  It took my thirty-something years to truly believe you get more flies with honey than you do with vinegar - so I welcome your sage advice.  Nana has been a mom for sixty seven years and my favorite thing witness is that she loves her sixty year olds as much as I love my babies.  The love never changes, no matter how the years change you, or your children. 

I spent the day with my mom.  The best mom I know, of course.  She has taught me everything that I know.  She's also taught me things she doesn't even know, like playing the piano - how the heck did she do that?  Some are simple things -  like,a coke is a great cure for many common ailments; sometimes it does feel better to put your shoes back on at the end of the night rather than take them off;  Wind sucks.  I admire how quickly she falls in with children, but I don't think that's something I can learn.  But, through watching her, I learned how to speak to my children, how to let them explore and learn on their own - to teach them in a way that doesn't let them notice they're being taught.    She always knows best, and even if I try my own way first, her way is usually better (but I won't let her know that).  I still learn from her every day and I am re-learning lessons she taught me years ago in a different way.  After years of her being right I should say I will take every piece of advice she ever gives me, but that would be a lie.  I won't.  I'll still try to figure it out on my own, and she'll probably still be right.

I spent the day with my husband's mom.  Of course, without her, he wouldn't be here.  My kids wouldn't be here.  My husband wouldn't be the person that he is today.  And every day he amazes me with his thoughtfulness and how much love he gives to me and the kids.  I think he learned that from his mom.  She is always there for us when we need her.  Her generosity and care know no bounds.  I'm lucky to have her and can learn a lot from her.  After all, she raised three boys, who are all pretty cool.  Of course, I think I have the best one, but, you know, we can argue that point at another time.

I spent the day with my "sisters."  Moms of little ones, like mine.  Whether I saw their faces or extended our "happy day!" through the phone, I spent it with them.  I learn from them.  I hope they learn from me.  And for those moms that I didn't get to see today, my aunts, they have all made an imprint on my life.  My family is evidence it takes a village (is that still a thing?) - I could stand in as a daughter for any one of my aunts and everyone of them has taught me something about life.  Thank you for that - Auntie Linda, Auntie Ellen, Auntie Mary, Auntie Cindy, Auntie Hediye.   

So, here's to Mother's Day.  Here's to great moms that I want to be just like - you have taught me so much.  Here's to moms I want to be nothing like - you have taught me so much.  Here's to moms who aren't moms yet.  Here's to moms who can't celebrate today with their mom (she's still with you).  Here's to my whirlwind day.  Here's to waking up hearing "Happy Mudder's Day, Mommy!"