A Mother’s Day Thank You

On the Saturday before Mother’s Day, I traditionally visit my parents to spend time with my mom and then spend Mother’s Day with my kids. However, this particular Saturday before Mother’s Day, there is a sense of loss. We won’t really be able to touch. This is the first day of loosened guidelines when interacting with others as a result of the Coronavirus. Our family has plans to follow the CDC guidelines – we will wear gloves, a mask, sanitize our hands frequently, and will gather primarily outside, working to stay 6 feet apart.

This phenomenon of social distancing draws a striking parallel. The physical distance that we are forced to experience now, mirrors the emotional distance that many mother-child bonds have been forced to endure due to the difficulties of life.

Project Management Concept: We are motivated when we feel valued and our value is demonstrated by the recognition and rewards given to us.

So whether the distance you are experiencing is physical or emotional, let this be a time of reflection and thankfulness for the mother or mother-figures in your life that offered you some part of themselves. Because it is that very part that allows you to be the wonderful mom you are today.

As moms, we literally pour so much of ourselves into our children. Coincidentally, the way we show others how much we love and value them is often the same way we wish to receive it!

Affirming Words

I can remember as a child, my mom would have a cake listing the accomplishments for me and my brother at the end of every school year, which typically coincided with my annual dance recital and his soccer tournament. This cake, presented to us for all family and friends gathered to see, affirmed how proud she and my dad were of what our young talents were growing in to.

To the moms with daily mantras that shout in your child’s mind even in your absence, who send smile-inducing lunch box notes, and who blatantly, bodaciously post social media brags of your kid’s accomplishments – 

Thank you!! 

Your words are literally breathing life into your child!

Acts of Service

As a teenager, extra-curricular activities can require staying after school. But because teens can be habitual non-planners, last-minute requests often occur. As such, one day in high school, I decided on a same-day after school activity request. My mom agreed, but due to meetings and a lengthy car ride, she arrived late. 

Ashamedly, I can remember the attitude I gave my mom. I’m positive I hurt her feelings. But I just didn’t get how much love she was showing me on that day. But now, as a mom, I get it!

So to every mom who sacrifices to send their child out looking their best, who gives work their all to make a better life for their children, who rushes from work to make a basketball game or school performance, and then puts dinner on the table and still finds the strength to check homework, like my mom did that day – 

Thank you!!

Serving the needs of your child, both physical and emotional, are the foundational blocks of the adult that they will soon become.

A Mother’s Loving Touch

I promise you, Tyrannosaurus Rex was outside of my bedroom window as a child. At least that’s what the shadows told me. 

Scary dreams would drive me from my room to my mom’s side of the bed. My dad was a lot of amazing things to me as a child, but a middle-of-the-night cuddler, he was not!

My mom would always scoot over and let me lay with her to soothe my fears. Proud moments were always met with hugs and kisses. Greetings and goodbyes are a ritual of hugs and kisses for our family – well, until the Coronavirus.

For moms who rub backs & kiss foreheads when allergies and asthma attack, who kiss boo-boo’s, who offer a loving lap to lay one’s head when the day is rough, or a special handshake of praise – 

Thank you! 

Your physical closeness is providing something that experts say is a life or death need – the need to be touched.

Time for Quality Time

Watching Soul Train together on Saturday’s and Fraggle Rock and The Muppet Show on Sunday’s. 

Summers with my grandmothers. 

My aunt living with us. 

Summer afternoons sitting on my mom and dad’s deck just laughing and talking – quality time with family was and still is a foundational value in my family.

I’ve pulled from and longed for those moments after I became an adult and found myself experiencing life alone.

For all the moms who’ve planned family vacations, instituted family night, cook the family Sunday dinner, adopt Mommy-Son/ Daughter time – Thank you! 

You are planting a seed that will take root and sprout in your children and bloom in their children.

THE POWER OF A GIFT

For my 12th Birthday, I begged my mom for 2 things: a sleepover and getting a Louis Vuitton, just like her. (Even back then I had expensive taste!) After a long talk about how I wasn’t old enough for that kind of gift, I resolved it was a NO-GO!

There are pictures from my sleepover of my pure happiness when I received my “Mouis Muitton” as I playfully call it. My friends were like, “Why is she so happy, it’s not real?” What they failed to understand is that my mother had tapped into something that was dear to me – she was giving me the gift of being like her. I was getting the chance to mimic my mom. THAT was the only brand that was truly important to me!

For moms who scrimp and save to get your kids to college, who pass on a treasured family heirloom, or commemorate the life and times of your child through a custom picture book –

Thank you! 

The gift shows the thought, but the fact that it comes from you is what truly gives the value.

So Happy Mother’s Day and Thank You! 

Your loving words soothe the soul and inspire greatness. Your selfless acts of service build character in the next generation. Your touch is a superpower that can actually heal. Time with you is always time well spent. You started by giving them the gift of life – which makes everything YOU give, the beautiful bow on the present! 

So on today, thank the mothers in your life and allow yourselves to be thanked as well. You deserve it!

The master was full of praise. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together.”

Matthew 25:21 New Living Translation