The Best Mother’s Day

Being a mom of two kids – ages 16 and 23, I have been through plenty of Mother’s Days. Some were better than others, but each one let me know that I was loved and appreciated.

This year was no different in that aspect, but something extra-special happened this year. I was outside working on an oil painting when my 16-year old daughter appeared with a plastic bag. She pulled out a chair at the table and began taking out her own craft supplies. I didn’t say a word, but I was honestly quite surprised.

My daughter and I have a wonderful relationship – we always have. But on this day, she wanted to sit and talk with me, while we each did our own crafty type thing. She was in no rush to leave, and seemed to throughly enjoy our conversation (as did I).

We talked about boys. She has a boyfriend (a really nice young man), and she shared a few details of their relationship, and how nicely he treats her. I shared a few things with her, and reminded her that she should never settle for less.

We talked about marriage. She told me how none of her other friends’ parents seem as loving as we are. That made my heart melt of course, and she commended us for not fighting, or if we do disagree on something, how we do it in private. It really does make a big impact on a child…even a teen.

We talked about the future. My daughter will do something special – I just know it. She is intelligent and witty, and a “take charge” kind of girl. It was fun to hear her explain her hopes and dreams, and also kind of nice to know that she never wants to venture too far from us. She loves us…she really loves us!

We talked about my dad...and her dad (my husband) and the different levels of showing affection. Although I was a daddy’s girl too, my dad’s family never did much hugging. I told my daughter of grandpa’s dying moments and how my dad reached for my hand. My dad and I held hands in his last moments of life, which is something I don’t think we ever did before, except maybe when I was a little girl. My daughter and I cried together.

She told me how she couldn’t imagine having parents other than us. I believe her words were, “You and Daddy are seriously awesome, and you support me in everything I do. You don’t talk down to me like a child, and I appreciate that”. I reminded her that it goes both ways. She has never given us a reason to treat her anything but respectfully. Yes, my heart melted.

We talked about everything under the sun. We laughed, and cried, and laughed some more. For hours.

It was a special Mother’s Day indeed!

I hope you enjoyed at least one touching moment on Mother’s day…