The Joy of Mother's Day

As children, my sister and I would always devise a Mother’s Day to top all Mother’s Days for my single mom. We’d make her breakfast complete with eggs, toast, pancakes, home fries and a huge serving of well-intended promises to not bicker all day. We’d scrape our pennies together and get her something she really wanted, but would be too selfless to purchase for herself. And she always responded by telling us we were the best gifts she ever received.

Fast-forward several years and both my sister and I have our own gifts that help us understand the true joy behind Mother’s Day. On Mother’s Day morning I found myself peering at my sleeping child, her body sprawled across the mattress, her hair tossed and tangled in a way that only happens after a good night sleep, her back rising and falling with her rhythmic deep breaths. With great anticipation I just watched waiting for her deep blue eyes to open and realize morning was here. I found such beauty in the serenity of that moment. Her eyes sparkled as she focused on my face realizing it was her momma. She scurried to her feet, tangled in blankets, spitting her pacifier out, and stretched out her arms whispering momma.

I scooped her up (which has become quite the challenge with my big belly in the way) and squeezed her. She nestled her head onto my shoulder and patted my back gently with her tiny hands. Another tranquil moment words cannot accurately describe. Almost simultaneously, we sighed. I let go all the worry and frustration that had been weighing me down and felt my heart soar as she clung to me. “Thank you for making me a mommy, Izzy.” I told her.

Someday there will be homemade breakfasts in bed, flowers picked from the yard, and construction paper cards with crayon scribbles all over. But all I will ever need on Mother’s Day is a squeeze from my babies. I’m truly blessed to have been given such a wonderful gift; a heart full of joy.