Day Three

Mother's Day is rapidly approaching.  How does a person let a mother know how much she is loved?  Presents seem to be the first thought.  Then there's the veritable Hallmark Card that says it all.  Or there's a phone call or a visit.  What is it that would matter most to a mother?

I remember when I was a child, we would get together with my mother's side of the family and spend a few hours having dinner, playing with the cousins, and relating life experiences with each other.  I don't actually remember anything I gave my mom, or anything the adults gave my grandmother.  Truly, the thing that has stayed with me is the relationships we built as cousins.  Of course, I was not a mother at the time.

Now that I am a mother, I find that I cherish the well thought out notes/letters/cards that my children have given me.  One in particular that my son made in second grade shocked me.  It listed the likes/dislikes, hobbies, personality traits, etc. that the children thought their mothers possessed.  When I read it, I saw that he had picked up on things that I had never voiced out loud.  He understood me much more than I could have ever dreamed.  I couldn't say the same thing for me understanding my own mother in such a way.

So I guess the written word maybe says it all to a mom--or does it?  All mothers are different.  Maybe one sees that the thought was in the gift that was given.  Perhaps another would much rather talk over the phone for awhile to feel special.  Many would enjoy the company of brothers or sisters, cousins and relatives.  In the end, all that can be done by the giver is a heartfelt show of love.  Whether it be done on the telephone, in person, with a gift, or words on paper, all love is a welcome gift.