Mother's Day

Our daughter could not make it home for Mother's Day this year because of work commitments. She did, however, send me two types of flowers -- the traditional ones in a vase, and the online ones that actually speak to you...absolutely hysterical and creepy. I, in turn, sent the online one to some of my friends.

My husband made delicious French toast with Challah bread (yummmm) dipped in Egg Beaters, but with real bacon (there is a balance of sorts there). He and our son gave me a dish garden in a tea pot (I'm a tea totaler...or is it tottaler or even totaller?), and scads of cards. My family knows that I love and will keep forever all cards. Listen, I cannot tell you how many times I have found money in cards for my son who was about ready to toss the said cards. Besides, the cards are a sort of history, brought to you via Hallmark or American Greetings, that you can touch anytime you open the huge plastic bin in the basement filled with them.

I had sent cards to my brother's daughters who had lost their mom a year and a half ago (I sent them cards last year), and they all called to say thanks. They are great women, and my sister-in-law was proud of them. I sent my 88-year-old aunt a card (we always do), and she called to say how nice it is that we always think of her. I always tell her and my uncle (my Dad's baby brother) that I would like to grow to be like them. They are so adorable and precious.

I can't say that Mother's Day makes me miss my Mom more than usual. She and my Dad have been gone almost 29 years, and there are random times that I feel the loss of her and Dad more than others -- almost a physical reaction even after all these years. I know my nieces miss their mother a lot and in their own ways.

I wish everyone a wonderful Mother's Day today and always. And to those mothers who are struggling to find their way with their kids, or have suffered losses of children, I wish you peace and quiet within your soul and love to heal.