My beautiful girls, Dana (left) and Amanda (right).
Mother’s Day 2011.
A day to remember.
Sunday, May 8, 2011 was a beautiful spring day as the sun rose and a light cool breeze wafted over the fields, neighborhoods, parks, and churchyards. Families enjoyed picnics, walks in the park, visits with the animals at Maymont Park, brunches and lunches in local restaurants, and just gathering together to celebrate their mothers.
My day was enjoyable, beginning with a visit with my dad who is starting to show many signs of improvement after weeks of intense physical therapy. We talked briefly about my mother and how much we both miss her and then I had a cup of coffee with my younger sister as we talked and laughed.
Before the coolness of the morning wore off, I was on the road and headed back to Richmond for my own mother’s day lunch. Enjoying a delicious salad and grilled chicken was fun – mainly because I did not have to prepare it. A walk through Short Pump and a visit to Sweet Frog’s made it all the more enjoyable. Although I’m trying very hard to watch my calories and sugar intake these days, the toppings at Sweet Frog’s just called my name for this special Mother’s Day!
We sat outside with many other families and children who were also enjoying the tasty frozen yogurt as we laughed and talked more. It was a relaxing, fun, and memorable day so far.
But something was missing.
There was a constant nagging feeling that something was not quite right.
And I knew what it was.
My youngest daughter and her new husband are still on their two week honeymoon in Madrid, meaning this is the first Mother’s Day I have ever spent without her. Although I am happy that she and her husband are having such a wonderful time, I must admit I feel a bit of loneliness and sadness that I am experiencing Mother’s Day without her.
And as if that weren’t enough, my oldest daughter, her husband and two of their children are out of town at the year-end gymnastics state competition! We are so proud of Emma and her incredible accomplishments as a gymnast, but why they scheduled the state meet on Mother’s Day is beyond me! That means I do not get to see my precious grandchildren and my daughter and son-in-law are not around today either.
Yes, a bit of sadness and pity for myself that neither of my precious daughters are here today.
But alas, there are two incredibly bright spots. My husband and I have enjoyed a wonderful day together. As I walked into the house after my 2 and half hour drive, I was greeted with a special card and the most beautiful flowers you can imagine. Our lunch together and visit to Sweet Frog was relaxing and the time we spend together is always precious.
And to make the day even better, I picked up my youngest granddaughter from her paternal grandparents and she spent the rest of the day and night with me. You see, I was unable to attend my oldest daughter’s gymnastics competition because my youngest granddaughter is just a bit too young to enjoy and endure the events. Instead, it was best for me to return home and keep her here while her parents enjoy the state competition with Emma.
Lily, who is not quite 2 years old, was the most fun you can imagine. Giggling, laughing, running and playing outdoors most all afternoon was so fun. Sneaking her some forbidden snacks was another treat for me this Mother’s Day — watching his eyes grow bigger and bigger as the M&Ms rattled in her cup. As I bathed her and got her ready for bed, we had even more fun. And then, the snuggles and hugs as I rocked her and sang to her just before bedtime were priceless.
No, my daughters are not physically here today to celebrate Mother’s Day with me – but their phone calls, texts, and emails have kept us close in touch and their “I love you’s” across the miles mean more than words can say.
My 3 precious grandchildren.
Today was a a very different — yet special — Mother’s Day. It was the first time I have ever spent Mother’s Day without my children, but it was okay after all. Especially with the time I spent with my husband and youngest granddaughter.
To all of you young mothers out there, I remind you that the years go by quickly. Enjoy your children while they’re young and treasure every possible moment with them. They are growing up before your eyes, and their lives will take them in many different directions as adults.
Now, that’s something to celebrate.
