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?
Three words to describe Mom? She was there.
Love that~! So very well said 🙂 MJ
My Mom was the best! I still miss her and she’s been gone since ’86. Those are some tenacious memories I have. Just one day I would love to spend with her and her sisters laughing and giggling again. I love that your mother was having a Killian’s. My mother loved an occasional beer too. Never wore pants until she was well in her 60s. Can I have 4 words to describe my mom? One of a kind!
Your Mom sounds like someone I would have loved to have known 🙂 MJ
Aw, I love this post, MJ! You and I think alike, don’t we?? Let’s see, three words to describe my mom….. kind, resilient, loving. There’s a country song, can’t remember the name of it right now, but one of the lines is: “My mom is still my biggest fan.”. Hearing that always brings my mom to mind…. Happy Mother’s Day, MJ.
I looked up that song and here it is:
Happy Mother’s day to you Dianna ❤ MJ
That’s it!! Thanks!
🙂 MJ
What a lovely tribute to your mother! I love the photos of you and your mom, and you and your boys. My mom taught me how to cook, to sew, and to clean house. I enjoy cooking, am competent in sewing and hate to clean house. I’d rather be outside mowing the lawn any day! My fondest memories are of the two of us playing music jobs together on our violins.
That is a great memory; I love that you were able to learn those skills. I was one who would rather be outside also 🙂 MJ
I didn’t get the sewing gene either. My mom used to make many of our clothes when we were little. I remember the neighbor kids being jealous of the stuff we wore. Me? I’ve managed to sew some simple things, like window valances. I can repair split seams and manage a hem. But that’s about it.
Your boys are so tall! And handsome too! I know you’ll enjoy your celebratory dinner with them.
Three words for my mom? Steadfast, loyal, protective.
Mom made a lot of our clothes, too. I can sew a button back on – that’s about it 🙂
We had lots of fun last night and the boys were in rare form.
Love your description of your Mom!! Happy Mother’s day to you ~ MJ
Enjoy that Mother’s Day dinner with your handsome sons! My mom: caring, determined, strong.
I surely did 🙂 Happy Mother’s day to you, Karen.
Loved your description of your MOM 😀 = MJ
Comfort. Laughter. Love. And you said it all in this wonderful tribute to your own mother and to all the Moms out there who are the “mighty powerhouses” we so adore.
“The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world…” True, true, and true!
Loved how you described your wonderful Mom – HMD! MJ
“I’m Gay” is my favorite story about your Mom. Makes me laugh every time I think about it. 😆
It’s one of mine, too, Jude. I hope your sister is recovering well, been thinking about you guys. Bests! MJ
There’s nothing like one-on-one time with one’s mom. How I miss her sense of humor.
I hear you there. MJ
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