Happy Mother's Day!

There is nothing quite like being a mother. It is a unique and special experience that is almost impossible to describe. I have so many amazing mothers in my life that I thought I might take a moment to acknowledge them on this Mother’s Day.

It has been an interesting and at times surreal adventure to see my friends, old and new become mothers. It has been comedic and frightening all at once. I mean, nothing can properly prepare a person to be in charge of another person’s life and well-being 24/7. But what an incredible journey it is, and it has been made all the more easier thanks to the love and guidance of all of our maternal relationships. To my friends, I say “wow”. Look at us. We are moms! Crazy, no? Congratulations! Each and every one of you is doing an amazing job. You inspire me.

My mother, mother-in-law and grandmothers are all wonderful people that I love and cherish deeply. They all have things that make them special and it would take eons to enumerate them all. So I won’t. But I will let you in on a little tiny fragment of as to why they are so awesome.

Nana, you rock. If only everyone could have such a hip and forward-thinking Nana. Your steady love, healthy lifestyle and positive outlook set such a great example for all of us.

I am so lucky to have an incredible mother-in-law. Your kindness, caring and generosity are traits that I hope my children inherit. 

And an equally incredible Grandmother-in-law, who is another fantastic role model that clearly loves and cherishes her family with her whole heart and who has a wonderful sense of humour.

My Grammie passed away when I was in grade five. I feel lucky that I had that time with her. I remember her as having a zest for life and a loud and fun personality. She did all the things that mothers can’t but grandmothers can – ice cream for breakfast, taking a child to a store and uttering famous last words : “You can have anything you want.”

And my Mum. Thank you. I never truly appreciated all that you did until I started having to do it myself. The mountains of laundry (my socks were always so white – still don’t know how you did that); the vacuuming (we had two dogs and two cats and yet I never had a stray hair on me); the dishes (I know we didn’t have a dishwasher for the first decade of my life); the refereeing (often, brothers and sisters = oil and water); the meals (each and every meal was healthy, wholesome and homemade). And then there is all the stuff that is still to come...the early morning sports practices; pre-teen angst; teenage shenanigans. (Shudder.) 

But beyond all those actions, rooted in love, there was all of your gentleness, patience and consistency. Hugs, kisses, cuddles. I know now what being a mother is. You did it so well, it was hard to see how tough it was.

I love you.

My minis were perfect angels for Mother’s Day. Not a single shout or conflict between them. They jumped at my beck and call, cleaned up after themselves....sniggle, sniggle... Just kidding. I can’t even get through writing that paragraph without snickering and giggling (sniggling). Today was a day just like any other, which just helped to drive the point home: It’s Mother’s Day and I am a Mother. And I love it.

My minis very kindly prepared some pieces of writing for me and made me cool gifts. For both of them, the first words to me this morning were “Happy Mother’s Day Mama”. What more could a Mama ask for?

We had Grandma and Grandpa over for a Mother's Day feast. We dined on roast beast, potatoes, turnip, sweet potatoes, carrots, homemade bread and cabbage. We used my Grammie's Florida Swamp dishes in honour of the occasion. 

Then we went for a nice little walk.

Which was followed by a little bike riding session.

We then came back inside, ate some delicious desserts, and were serenaded by Tootie and her developing piano skills. All in all, a fabulous day.