Parenting is like the stock market. You invest a lot with very little return sometimes. When you do hit, however, you hit big with greater returns that you'd hoped for.--Mamma

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day, The Text

"Nothing is so beautiful as that which is grown in a Mother's love."
It is a joyous Mother's Day here in the pumpkin patch. Once again, DH has seen to it to make the day wonderfully fully of love. He and Pumpkin gifted me with a beautiful new ring, some nail polish (even some for Pumpkin), chocolates, earrings and a ladybug watch (so I'll always think of my Pumpkin). I was to have breakfast in bed this morning, but it was called on the count of a Toddler. I would like to say there is a rain delay in place, but at this point I think we're talking years. And, by that time I will be getting breakfast in bed every day...by Nurse Cratchett!

Pumpkin and I went to the Mother's Day Tea at her school where she served me lunch and participated in a song for all the Mom's. I had looked forward to the event for months and it was all that I expected. Well, I didn't expect to have to leave early for a double BM from Pumpkin, but as she's only recently completed this stage of potty training, who was I to complain? And, isn't it apropos? Women are often crapped on in life, why not at a Mother's Day Tea? I should also mention that I was about to duct-tape Pumpkin at one point too as she would not grasp the concept of sitting down to eat like the other children. Every one tells me this is a sign of genius, but I'm starting to think they're just being kind! Perhaps they're really laughing!

Our holiday festivities also included a visit to Aunt Kelly and Uncle Boo's house where we joined Nana Pumpkin for a Mother's Day dinner. Pumpkin was delighted to see her Aunt and Uncle and especially to play the guitar with Uncle Boo. She loves music; singing it and making it. In fact, when playing by herself, riding in the car or just about any time, Pumpkin can be heard singing something. It's delightful to hear. Pumpkin made her Nana bookmarks and I made Nana a t-shirt with a personalized quote (see above). Nana presented me with a beautiful hanging basket and a lovely card. It was a nice evening for us all.

Finally, here it is Mother's Day and the sun is shining after almost a week of cold, wet and grey days. God loved his Mama, no doubt. I am so happy to have my family and to finally be a part of this blessed holiday. It is made much sweeter with the love of my husband and much sadder having my own Mom in a nursing home. Calling her today, I heard tears in her voice and I cried myself at her misfortune. I thanked her for bringing me into the world and teased her that after three tries, she got it right. But, in the end, no amount of humor can soften the disheartening place you find yourself in talking to your parent in a virtual prison. No matter that it is the best place for her, it takes a tole on anyone with a heart.

I am fortunate to have this day with my daughter and husband. I pray that I have countless many more in the years ahead and I thank God for the many, many wonderful women who lead me and guide me in my journey through parenthood. I am finding that there is never a truly right way of doing things, but rather what is right at the moment and with your specific child. I am learning each day how very strong parenting requires you to be and often I feel totally unequipped. Fortunately, you can flounder and even fall, but the sun still rises in the morning and your child is still there to try it again without any trepidation.

Indeed, some gifts take forever to get here, aren't exactly what you asked for initially, but are more joy that you thought you could imagine. If you are lucky, you'll find this at least once in your life. Praise God, I've found it three times.

Happy Mother's Day to you all.

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