The best Mother’s Day gift I ever gave my mom was actually on Christmas Eve 20 years ago. If she were still here with us I’d put together another one, just to make certain she understood that I remember.
Twenty years ago, I collected small items that brought back strong memories from my childhood and tucked them into a little trunk each item had a tag with an explanation. Since I don’t have that trunk and all it’s content, I collected a few things & wrote explanations similar to the ones I gave Mama…
Dish Towel~ I remember when you taught me keep a tidy home. Somehow I knew the value of cleanliness was more than just the house being clean…cleanliness and organization left room in our hearts and minds for creativity to thrive-
Spatula & Whisk~ I remember all those days you pulled warm chocolate chip cookies from the oven. All the birthdays you baked beautiful cakes and all those Christmases you made candy…you- happily baking in our cozy kitchen is an image imprinted forever on my heart-
Coffee Mug~I remember waking every single morning to the aroma of a fresh pot of coffee. When I was small, before I drank coffee, the aroma made me happy… ‘Mama’s up…coffees made…all is right in the world.’
Flower~ I remember seeing you on your knees in the dirt planting spring flowers and tending your tomatoes, walking through the yard with you while you pointed out your plants, teaching me the names.
Candles~I remember all the nights you stayed up with me when I was sick. Waking in a dark room shivering with fever, it only took one call and you were right beside me lighting up the room making everything okay.
The Little Wreath I made~ I remember watching you create…a flower arrangement for a Thanksgiving centerpiece, Christmas ornaments to fill in a sparse tree, refinishing an old table because you just couldn’t throw it away…you taught me to love creativity and how to create…
A Jar of White Buttons & a Silver Thimble~ I remember watching you sew. You amazed me taking a square of fabric and turning it into a dress or a pillow or a quilt.
A picture of us~ This is the only thing I don’t remember Mama…but I know that look on your face, that: I love this child so much it hurts look- I recognize that your hand on my tiny back meant: Don’t worry little one…I’ll protect you. I don’t remember this moment, but I have had moments just like this with my four babies…and now my four grandbabies…thank you for loving me like that Mama.
A Little Bible~ you gave me your faith…you prayed me through life…you showed me how to trust even when life hurts.
Yes…I’m so glad that 20 years ago, I told Mama how her beautiful life shaped me and helped make me the woman I am…
My mama isn’t with me any more, but if your mama’s still here, this might be a nice Mother’s Day gift for you to give her…
~Sending you “Mama-Love” my precious friends~
What a wonderful story and memory Robin. This is what life is all about.
This post. Nothing more precious–given with a full heart. A grateful heart.
Oh, how I love these words, Robin. And how I miss your mama.
Love this post Robin! When you sent me my prayer bracelet a few weeks ago, I had no idea how important it would be to me. My mom has just been diagnosed with cancer–already spread. The bracelet reminds me to be in constant prayer for her! I wondered what I could give her for Mother’s Day. You answered my question on this post in a beautiful way. Thanks for sharing!
Gisele, I’m so sorry about your sweet mom, I will be praying for her when I look at my prayer bracelet… and for you. sending you so much love
The sweetest post I’ve ever read! It’s so nice that you have some wonderful memories of your mom. I feel the same way about my mom. Wish she was still here!
Genny, wish I could give you a big hug in person! xoxo
Beautifully written post, Robin. It touches each of our hearts with remembrances of all that our mothers have done for us in all the years that have since past.
“What is a mom but the sunshine of our days and the north star of our nights”. ~Robert Brault
Eileen, I always love your quotes so much! that one is my favorite xoxo
So filled with love and appreciation Robin~ I’ll just bet is was one of your mother’s favorite gifts too. I love how intentional the gift is, in showing love in such a tangible way- thank you for this!
Love you Vicky xo
Beautiful tribute Robin ~
I still have the trunk and use it today
to store bird seed and garden supplies.
Daddy, I’m so glad you still have the trunk 🙂 xoxo
BEAUTIFUL post. So full of love. No Mom’s left here. And my daughter isn’t a Mom either. Love to you, Pinky
Great idea!!!!
What a sweet and touching post Robin! You so often make me think deep thoughts. Your Mom sounds like she was a very special lady.
Beautiful post Robin. Your thoughtfulness is amazing. You have such a tender heart and can see the beauty in the details. Keep on inspiring me and others with your loving spirit and words.
Love you~
Thank you for posting this… I am definitely going to put something together for my loving mother to show her how much she means to me! I absolutely love this idea, it is so meaningful!
Yvonne, I know your sweet mama will love hearing your memories ~ sending love my friend xo