The Gift of Words!

Today I join my fellow bloggers in "serving up a slice" to the Tuesday Slice of Life sponsored by Stacey and Ruth from Two Writing Teachers. 

As Mother's Day approaches each year, I struggle to enjoy this day in honor of mothers because I can't celebrate with my mom.  I remember one year when my daughter said to me, "Mom, we don't want you to be sad for Mother's Day.  We want you to be happy because you're our mom."  So while I miss my own mom each year, I've tried to focus on enjoying this special day with my children.   This year when my family asked what I wanted for Mother's Day, I replied that I wanted to go to brunch on Saturday!  So they made the reservation, but are keeping the location a surprise.  I love surprises!

I ask my students to make handmade cards each year and share a poem or special memories with their parents for Mother's Day or Father's Day.  I love watching them make beautiful cards and share special words and memories with their parents.  I promise them that these handmade cards and sentiments will be treasured by their parents forever.  I've kept all the cards I love and cherish in this special box.

I share the ones I've received from my kids as evidence.  The wish list was made by Blake as a coupon list the year before he graduated from high school and the remember card was made by Sara when she was a sixth grader.

Several years ago, I wrote this poem as a tribute to my mother because I have the most wonderful mother in the world.  Even though she died 22 years ago this month, I can still recall the touch of her hands and the love I always felt in her presence.

My Mother’s Hands

My mother’s hands were soft and firm,

Measuring, stitching, guiding, and holding,

Hands that labored long and hard.

Measuring fabric at Ben Franklin’s,

Patching to make clothes good as new,

Tucking cash into my hand after a visit home,

Showing love for her family.

Frosting countless birthday cakes,

Shaping the crusts of pies lovingly filled,

Stitching special dresses long into the night,

Showing love for her family.

Guiding my footsteps on the gospel path,

Leading always by her loving example,

Holding me through troubles, joys, and sorrows,

Showing love for her family.

My mother’s hands were soft and firm,

Providing years of loving labor for loved ones,

My mother’s hands, a design for love.

Ramona

Mother’s Day 2009

This past week, I received the following email from my son.  So I'll let him close this post as my guest blogger.  It warmed my heart, and I cherish every word.  He won't be here for Mother's Day, but I'll be traveling to DC for his graduation from law school in two weeks.  I printed a copy of his email to place in my box of special cards.   I encourage my students to share the gift of their words and memories, the best gift ever!

May 1, 2013

Hey Mom!

I'm baking today and that always makes me think of you.  Stefi's co-worker and good friend is leaving - her last day is Friday so they are having a little party tomorrow, and her favorite cookies are our oatmeal chocolate chip so I have been tasked with delivering plenty!  

I love to bake, it is so fun to put together ingredients and create something that is both familiar and fresh and fantastic.  And little things remind me of your kitchen, like when I turn and walk a few steps to the kitchenaid with a cup full of flour, or how I carefully check the recipe two or three times to make sure I'm getting the right baking powder or soda (this one has both in the same amounts so it's easy!).

Thanks for baking and for being such a great Mom!  I love coming home to your kitchen, and I'm so excited to see it after you get to put in new countertops and stuff - it will be beautiful.

Love you,

Blake