Reflections on Mother's Day 2006

This year I woke up very early on Mother's Day - feeling strong emotions of happiness and thinking deeply about what it has meant to be my children's mother over all these years.....a little nostalgic because none of them happened to be home for this special morning this year...all of them far away. No breakfast in bed or snuggles and hugs. But the memories - oh the magnificent and wonderful memories....I have goose bumps all over every time I think of the thrill of my involvement with these precious lives!

I had this urge to write each one of them to tell them how much they meant to me and what an honor it is to be their mother...and I did. Although parenting was not a small or easy task, the years I was gifted with them scampering through my home were so rewarding I can't even explain. But then, I know you all know....

Through thick and thin, good times and bad - we all grew up together. Oh, the miles we have traveled and the ways in which we have evolved have been thrilling to see. Who would have ever dreamed that these beautiful, interesting, talented, and caring people grew up under my roof?

I think about the kind of legacy we as mothers are prepared to leave behind for our children to enjoy. Lifting them up on our shoulders, we work to gift our children a safe and bountiful planet that will enjoy peace and celebrate differences across the lands and oceans we hold so dear. We must take nothing for granted and must stay informed and act wiser to make wise decisions today in order to give them a great tomorrow.

Yes - they may be far away - but we are still "close", I can feel their hugs and the love they send me all day long.... (thank goodness for mobile phones and text messaging) - I am blessed.

My children know I love them and appreciate them and every day they know I am working hard to provide a great future for them.