Mother’s Day – Count your blessings

“Honor your father and mother”–this is the first commandment with a promise–“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2-3 (NIV)

Many of us, including me, grew up learning this commandment but some of us are not following it this Mother’s Day. Remember, yesterday is gone and today is a new day. Maybe it’s time to change that narrative and count your blessings this Mother’s Day.

This is the first Mother’s Day for me I will celebrate without my mom in my life. She passed away in February this year. My only child will not be celebrating with me as we are estranged.

On holidays, like Mother’s Day, I honor and give thanks for the young women I know who are wonderful moms. I also acknowledge that I honored my mom while she was alive and now in death. I remember being a loving and caring mother to my daughter and still am a loving and doting grandmother to her three beautiful children when I see them at public events.

Even though I won’t be spending time with my mom, daughter and my young friends physically this Mother’s Day, I will be emotionally, counting them as blessings. Happy Mother’s Day!

What to get mom for Mother’s Day

What to get mom for Mother's Day
Painting by my daughter years ago, Photo by slc

It’s that time of year and the question comes up again, what do I get mom for Mother’s Day?  Most moms I know, myself included, don’t need anything this Mother’s Day, but she may want to add to her already unique collection of memories you have together. 

When our children were born, most of us collected items for a baby book.  I have my daughter’s hospital bracelet and every card from family and friends who helped welcome her birth.  The memories of that special day were precious and undeniably filled with love, and a little bit of pain.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Memories of firsts are big.  First tooth, first words, first solid food, first crawl, first steps, first day of school, first books, first dance, first swim lesson, first driving lesson, first apartment, first boyfriend, first, and only, wedding, and first grandchild.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Most of my memories I viewed through a camera lens.  I captured memories through countless photos and videos of every vacation, school and sporting event.  You name it, I took a picture or video of it.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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