Today I planned to post another chapter in the lives of my students and their school garden, including the addition of a few photos from my homegrown blueberry patch, perhaps a few analogies between kids and plants…
But then my daughter surprised me with an early Mother’s Day gift.
Kids. They really are the only gift a mother needs on yet another Sunday in a busy calendar year… Of course they’re not satisfied with merely existing. Oh, no–they need to be noticed and fussed over, coddled and loved; they’re basically miniature adults in this regard. And like adults who need to be loved, they also need to love, and share. As she did with me today.
Now, not to take away from her delivery, but when my child walks up to me and prefaces the bestowing of a gift with an “I need you to pay attention” — as if I don’t ALWAYS pay attention when she’s bearing gifts!–I get a little nervous. My evening news was over (a definite pre-requisite in our household, because it’s the only time “I” get to watch television), and it was me who called her out to the living room for the specific purpose of her gift-giving — per her request — I must admit, I was somewhat wary.
“Pay attention?” I replied. “Why wouldn’t I pay attention? You’re giving me prizes!”
Grinning, hiding my gift behind her back, she wanted to be sure. “Okay. Are you ready?”
I glanced around the empty, quiet room. “Yes, I think so…”
Unable to contain herself, she whipped out the cards and handed them to me. “I made you these at school.”
Watercolor renditions of a garden. A compilation of all the beautiful flowers that surround our home. I do love flowers. There were four in total; one large and three smaller. “They’re beautiful, honey. Thank you!”
Her smile took total control of her face then as she was clearly pleased by my response. But they are beautiful. The largest one had a hand-written note inside about how wonderful I am (thank you for finally noticing!) while the other three were custom note cards for my personal use (her teacher reduced her original painting which she showcased against bright orange paper). “They’re perfect.”
She proceeded to explain to me how I was to use them, then remained seated next to me, steeped in my admiration.
Looking at her, an unrestrained bundle of joy and innocence, elation and pride, I was reminded once again how precious children are and how lucky I am to be a mother. This child is golden, through and through. Sure she bickers with her brother, snips at me most mornings and complains about my dinner selection–who doesn’t? Though in her card, she was kind enough to mention I was a good cook.
But that’s real life. You get the good with the bad, the fun with the not-so-fun, the green with the brown (that’s garden lingo). You get it all.
If you’re lucky. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t quite evolved to that place where I could live in la-la happy land all the time and be happy. I need contrast. I need lessons. I need growth. Reminders like today aid me in that path and I’m thankful, each and every day.
This weekend it’s Mother’s Day and we’ll focus on mom, but in reality, everyday is mother’s day–and father’s day, children’s day, grandparents day… With the right attitude, every day is ours, and one to be celebrated.
To all my fellow moms, have a happy Mother’s Day and enjoy! They’re prepared to please…
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