Mother's Day

It's quiet around my house today.  Typical for every other Sunday morning lately, but a little extra so this time.  Today is Mother's Day.  So, beyond the frequent knocking of my phone alerting me to a new message from another thoughtful friend, my home sounds a little more empty today.

I found these when I got home from work Friday, but saved them for this morning before I could bear to peek.  The girls make me something just about every day at school, but I wait all year for the 2nd Sunday in May gift.  Eva's is a book of 3 coupons entitling me to things I would never actually cash in.  Maya's is a handprint and "All about" mama book complete with a drawing where I never looked better.  I'm not sure who the flower is from, as I haven't been able to get them on the phone yet, but I've already kept it alive longer than most.  I'm looking at the long empty day ahead of me as a gift too: I won't be breaking up fights or bracing my ears for whining.  

So, happy Mother's Day.

To the woman who gave birth me.  Though she is no longer available to me, she's the only person I ever called mom.

To the woman who did the lion's share of raising me.  Though she's been gone for almost fourteen years, my grandma is always the one my mind races to on this day.

To the women I know who are doing it right.  Though many of you are fighting the battles alone, you are always showing mamas like me the right way.

To the woman in the mirror.  Though you yell too much, cry too much, and often avoid too much.  

I can't wait for the 6pm hugs and sticky kisses...followed by the 6:10 whines and fights.