Saturday, May 9, 2009

Happy Mother's Day


Last Thursday I went to my chiropractor for an adjustment and while I was waiting for my turn I happened to be sitting across from a chalk board advertising 15% off massages for Mother's Day. I completely broke down, and the harder I tried to stop crying the faster the tears seemed to come. Now, I understand that this is part of the grief process and normally when this happens I am at home and the wave hits, I cry, it passes and I go on with my day. Of course being out in public with red eyes and quiet sniffles, caring people ask the fatal question, "Are you ok?" which always makes me cry harder for some reason. I was able to reassure everyone that I really was ok, just an unexpected reaction to the advertisement. I was thinking, "What is the deal, it's not like I didn't know this day was coming?" But the more I think about it the more I realize that I wasn't dealing with the fact that this is the first Mother's Day without my mother. I knew it would be emotional, but I couldn't have guessed how much. Part of this emotion though is gratitude for all the other mothers in my life and I wanted to take a moment to thank them.

My mother-in-law, Terrie, who does so much for my little family and is always quick with a kind and loving word of encouragement and support.

My grandma LuDean, who just about bursts with pride and love for me and my babies.

Grandma Sharon, who has always been unfailing kind and loving to my family and I love that she has a greeting card for any occasion you could possible think of.

My aunts on both side of the family, but especially my mom's sisters (which include in-laws and steps!) who stepped in and stepped up to take care of her and our family while she was sick and have made great efforts to keep our extended family close and in touch.

Susan, Sandra, Paula and other friends of my mom who also gave us so much of their time and energy. You will never know how much you have blessed our lives. Whenever I hear the hymn that sings about "the errands of angels are given to women" it makes me think of all of you and how true that statement is.

And last but not least are my friends and cousins, Diane, Haylee, Tami, Emilie, Sarah, Catherine, Elena, Mandy, Kris. All of these awesome women who are there to share the joys, humor, heartbreaks, and frustrations of having young children and becoming mothers ourselves. I have to laugh at the thought that we used to play dolls together and now we get our children together for playdates. (The nice thing about dolls is that it is ok to forget them at your friend's house and leave them there overnight...)

Thank you to all of you, you are amazing mothers and I am so glad that there are women I can call on now that I can't ask my mom for her advice or to vent about motherhood. I will be hugging my babies extra tight tomorrow and remembering how lucky I am to be a mom. And I hope that if you are lucky enough to be able to give your mom a hug tomorrow that you'll give her an extra squeeze from me. But make sure that you take the time to let her know how much she means to you and know that you can never say "I love you" too much.

8 comments:

Dinee said...

Well you made me cry. That's a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing. I was thinking about you and your mom yesterday and wondering how today was going to be for you. I think about your mom daily actually as I am attempting to grow a garden and I'm wondering why it looks like it's dying already. I wish I could ask for her advice!
You are a fantastic mom and your kids are so lucky to have you. I hope you have a great day with your little family!

Susan said...

What at lovely tribute to all the women in your life! Happy Mother's Day to you, too! Luckily for us, your mother's legacy lives on very clearly in you and your children. And your mother is not far from you, I promise!

Annie said...

I was thinking about Kim when I went to the garden store to buy peppers for the garden. I bought a moonbeam coreiopsis and planted it in honor of her. It has a bright yellow flower. It matches the back cover of all the Nancy Drew Books we shared as little girls in Grandma Garlick's backyard. I love reading your beautiful writing!

Sarah said...

Happy Mother's Day to you too! I've been thinking of you and your mom a lot lately. Love you guys!

Unknown said...

Chrissy I thought about you today and was hoping you and Josh and Caity, your spouses, your kids and your dad were doing okay. Your tribute was heart felt and beautiful. I hope you know how much I loved your mom and how much I love all of you. I'm sure she was watching over all of you today. You are a wonderful mom - your kids are lucky to have you in thier lives! The highlight of my day was talking to Matt :)Love ya!

Emilie said...

Oh Chrissy! How could I have forgotten what yesterday would have been like for you! I am sorry I didn't call you.

You are amazing and quick witted and talented. I see more of your mom in you everyday. I know she was thinking of you yesterday as well.

April Weeks said...

I went to your mom's gravesite yesterday and saw a glass bowl of marshmellow mateys in a ring of daisys... and one yellow rose... I love your mom and I love you. You have honored her your whole life and you continue to give her honor through how you love your children. I shed tears of gratitude for my mother yesterday too. I think my mom died too young but I know yours did and we miss her terribly. You are stronger than you know.

Sandra and Brent said...

Dear Chrissy,
This was so touching to me . . . I miss your mom too. Every day something reminds me of her . . .tulips, songs, my planter boxes (which she suggested), etc. I feel honored to be on your list of moms. I've been out of touch with my blog because life has just been insanely busy but I did post tonight. Love ya, Sandra