In my opinion, every day is Mother’s Day! Once you become a mother, there is not a day that goes by that you are not constantly thinking about your children and grandchildren. This is my 37th Mother’s Day and I remember the first one like it was yesterday.
My twins were born two weeks before Mother’s Day and after a 10-day stay in the hospital we came home just a couple of days before the Big Day. I prayed for twins and my prayers were answered, so everything after that was just icing on the cake. Being a mother is something for which no one can train. There are a zillion books on the market, but nothing is a perfect match for training you to be a mom.
My Mom who is 90 this year set the bar high on mothering skills. Actually she misbehaved as much as we did, and still does today! We had fun every day and she was right in the middle of it. There are so many things I remember her doing for us including mixing Kool-Aid from the little envelope package, making popsicles using the Tupperware molds, and baking a cake every Sunday afternoon. While all this was going on, she made all our clothes for my sister and me and cooked supper every night. Bless her heart, my siblings and I must have dropped our school thermoses once a week and mom would buy the new glass liner and make the repair. Then pack the kindergarten snacks every day. My how things have changed.
My boys were so much fun. There was never a dull moment in our lives. While they are twins, they had very little in common growing up. Brian was pasta and decadent desserts. Eric was meat and potatoes with brownies for dessert. Balancing that was always a challenge. Dinner time was when we shared our stories of the day. Moms are never prepared for the heartaches, discouragements, and disappointments. We do well with accomplishments and A’s on school work, but helping a child work through tough times is a navigational feat. And no one could ever have described to me the protective instincts of a mom. At times I knew I could defeat an army for my kids!
One of my favorite mornings was when it was raining and we decided a walk would be nice. We put on our raincoats over our summer shorts outfits and grabbed our umbrellas. We walked around our neighborhood stomping puddles on each other! It was just a lively competition. I would love to do that today with them and add the grandkids to the fun.
Each child is unique with gifts and talents that only they have. Embracing that is the key. My boys are still different and that is a great thing. Their talents complement each other as they lead our company. As they grew into young men, I realized the things I messed up on and the things I think I did right. I told them as they grew up, “no one will ever love you like your mother.” I believe that is the truest statement ever made. My mom’s love is unconditional and I know this every day. If my boys don’t remember anything else, I pray they will always remember that.
Mom I love you. Thank you for being a role model and for loving us unconditionally. Eric and Brian I am proud to be your mom. I love you.