It’s Friday! Time for 5 Random thoughts this Mother’s Day weekend.
1. “A mom reads you like a book, and wherever she goes, people read you like a glowing book review.” ~Robert Brault. One year ago today I was on a plane to see her. Oh what a grand time we had! This year, I sent her a huge floral arrangement because we will see each other soon but still … I miss her. ❤

One of my favorite pictures of Mom & me… having a Killian’s in Branson, MO. An Emjayandthem(C) photo
2. Mom taught me a lot, but in spite of her efforts, there were some lessons that didn’t stick: I can’t sew, I hate gardening and I never mastered her bread recipe. Here are the ones that did: sharing a meal lovingly prepared, the joy in make-believe play on stormy days, that books can take you anywhere and to laugh at myself. (Remember her story of “I’m Gay?”)
Mom loves music and always has the radio playing in her country kitchen, and I do the same. She taught me the importance of date nights, of a dab of perfume and a swirly skirt and jewelry that makes you feel like a girl. Mom loved me enough to let me go yet never failed to rally and cheer, “You can do it, kid!”
3. When I think about how much I love my boys, I understand how much she loves me. And I think that when you’ve been loved .. you can love.

Me & my Hooligans at my U.S. Citizenship party.
An Emjayandthem(C) photo
4. Some of my best times with Mom have been when it’s just the two of us; we’re up late, and the house is quiet and the conversation flows. She’s told me things about herself and her life’s adventures that none of the other kids know. Someday I might tell them, or, maybe not. Maybe in those moments we were just two really good friends hanging out – laughing, crying, looking back, being grateful. Those moments are sacred to me.

5. Tomorrow, our boys are taking us out for supper. We’ll go to our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant, take over a big table and enjoy someone else’s cooking. We’re going on Saturday to skip the Sunday crowds; they’re logical like that. There’s the promise of homemade cards and lots and lots of laughter. I will love it and am looking forward to it. Sunday I’ll be in my kitchen again – cooking, singing, and … on the phone with Mom.

In everything I’ve ever accomplished and all that I’ve ever experienced, I’ve had one tiny but mighty powerhouse behind me: my Mother.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms! ❤
Question: When you think of your Mom, what three words could describe her best?