Mothers

Today I sent flowers for mother's day. For my mother-in-law, a spunky 82 year old former school teacher. She makes every conversation an interesting one. The first Christmas present she sent us was a globe of the world. She forwards me email humor and photos. For her, there are no limitations. The second gift of flowers was to our daughter for her first mother's day. Pretty pink roses and chocolates...I guess I'm still holding the image of that younger girl who only wanted things in pink. We were at her house recently, and her bedroom was decorated in blue. That finally helped me know it was ok to change out her bedroom in our home to the guest bedroom. No more shocking pink bedding and pink flowers. Now it's cool blue and chocolate browns, very modern, no flowers. I will always see her enveloped in the white down comforter surrounded by pink pillows in that room. Will I ever let that image grow up? I think so.

I also think of my own mother, who gave her whole being to bringing children into the world and raising them. Six of us - 5 boys and a girl. She gave so tirelessly. She was equal in every way to my father. She was incredibly special, no words to really describe her. I remember her sewing little doll clothes for my dolls, letting me make tents under the dining room table with my girlfriends, taking me to see the Parent Trap and Elvis movies, eating Foster's Freeze soft ice cream cones together, teaching (or trying to) all the skills one needs to become a woman. I know she was proud of me, even if during my younger years I was a tomboy. She wanted a girl with frilly dresses, I wanted to play football with my brothers. Eventually I came around when I married my first husband. It all made sense then. She was truly a gifted woman, and I was very lucky. Thanks for all you did mom, and continue to do from heaven (I know that you still watch out for me). I miss you and have for many years. But I still think of you and love you.

What would we be if we didn't share between generations?