Whew! I feel as if I have been in a time warp and can’t seem to catch up with where time really is right now. Haven’t taken any breathing time since the wedding as there are newspaper duties which must be handled and this is also a very busy time of year for all the communities we cover.
With all that’s been going on, Mother’s Day has slipped up on me. I was thinking I had another week but staring at the calendar, I realized it is this weekend. Both of my girls have said they will be off Sunday so I have opted to have David grill us something instead of fighting crowds at a restaurant.
I know Mother’s Day should be a time when you don’t have to worry with dishes, etc., but having my family together on that day means doing dishes on that day is trivial. The pond has also been calling to me lately. Can’t remember the last time I went fishing so Mother’s Day seems like a perfect time to sit, relax and watch the cork go up and down in the pond.
If I could do anything I wanted without worry of cost, etc. I think that would be to have the whole family at the beach or maybe on a cruise. But the next best thing is having them at our house enjoying a meal and fellowship together.
A couple years ago I surprised my mother by showing up to attend church with her. Neither of my girls were off that year and David was working on Sundays so it worked out for me to be with my mom.
As far as moms go, I am very blessed in that area. I have two I call mom and several others who have been like a mother to me over the years. My heart grieves for those who have lost their mothers. I cannot imagine life without either of mine but I know that is something I will have to face one day. In the meantime, I need to make the most of what time we have left.
My stepmother came to stay with us a few days before the wedding so she could attend. She doesn’t drive much these days except to church and to get groceries and none of us wanted her to make the two and a half hour trip by herself, so we went to pick her up. She was such a godsend, helping with rehearsal food and doing what she could the day of the wedding. We enjoyed that time together and we always reminisce about my dad which I think helps both of us.
We also reminisced about my step-sister who left us way too young but God always has a plan and even if we don’t understand it, we trust Him.
We don’t spend as much time together as we should and we vowed to do better. It is sometimes hard when they live that far off but it’s something we should determine to do. None of us are promised tomorrow and we need to spend time with those we love.
My mother lives about half that far and we do see her more but not as much as we should. I remember seeing one of my grandparents every weekend. My grandparents were such a big part of my life and it doesn’t seem to be as important to people these days. We become too absorbed in other things that don’t matter as much as people, and don’t cherish our loved ones like we should.
Sunday may recognize Mother’s Day, but truly mother’s day should be every day. We may not be perfect but most of us are doing the very best that we can. I know I did raising my children. They didn’t come with instructions and I flew by the seat of my pants many times. My children didn’t seem to suffer from my inadequacies, mainly due to a lot of prayer I’m sure. Being a mother doesn’t stop you from worrying about your children once they are grown. You still want the best for them and you cry when they cry, hurt when they hurt and rejoice when they rejoice.
I’ve been up and down the emotional motherhood roller coaster this year with baby girl buying a house, moving out and then getting married. It’s stressful. Good stress, definitely, but stress is stress.
And though grown, the prayers continue every day for your children. It’s easier to take care of them when you are carrying them and when they are little. But when they have spread their wings and flown, they have to make their own lives work, and you pray that you have equipped them for what life may bring and instilled in them that putting God first makes everything else fall into place. That doesn’t mean there won’t be bumps in the road though. Life is not easy and no one ever promised that it would be easy.
No matter my titles, nothing comes close to Mom or grandma. My mother used to say your children walk on your toes when they are small and on your heart the older they get. Mine walked on my heart when they were small as well, but now I do understand what she meant. Once grown they don’t need you as much and your relationship changes and as they make their own decisions and go their own way, your heart is with them.
I’m thankful to God for giving me my children and thankful to my children for being their mom. If your mom is still living, call or visit them Sunday. Appreciate them while they are still on earth.
Wishing all mothers, the best Mother’s Day ever. Hugs and blessings to you all.©2016

VICTORIA SIMMONS is an author, columnist, motivational speaker, minister and publisher of The Georgia Post/Byron Buzz. Contact her at: vsimmons54@gmail.com