Day 363

Today is Mother's Day! For me, I was fortunate enought to celebrate yesterday AND today! Lovely gifts from my daughters and numerous live chats with my son in California! Along with those joys, my Goldens have been right here loving me every moment!

One of the greatest joys in my life is being a mother. I was born to be a mom and constantly feel gratitude in my heart for my children. I also feel like my Goldens are family as well and often call them my babies...and yes, Mac and I refer to each other as Mommy and Daddy when talking to our pack!

When I was a little girl, my own mother was in charge of Mother's Day for the grandmothers and aunts. We would bring a card and flowers to each one. As for my own mother, we would go down to Marge Carol's gift store and buy another piece of "cut glass" from her glorious shelves. For only $4 or $5, we could choose from a variety of serving bowls to add to Mom's growing collection! I still have some of those dishes and love the memories!

When I was a young mother, it seemed that I was in the middle of the celebration. My own children would certainly honor the day for me, but I was in charge of a number of seniors by then. My aunts, my mom, beloved neighbors and a few more stole the show and my heart. There were years when I would buy up to 10 cards in order to celebrate important women in my life. I would also have my own children make cards and gifts for these important people.

Now, I sit back and enjoy the party! Of course, that makes me somewhat of a matriarch, but that's just fine.

From my perch, as I approach that elder status, I also find that my heart has a small pocket of sadness within on this holiday. I have had a couple experiences, in my "Mom Life," when I have faced sadness. I can empathize with those who have suffered loss and find this day to be one that is bittersweet...if not simply painful. I am careful with my greetings on this day since a "Happy Mother's Day" might be the most hurtful thing you can say to an individual. For those who find grief on this day, my heart embraces you.

Now, I will go downstairs to be suffocated by Golden Love and reminisce about all the love that has been showered on me. I certainly will be counting my blessings...whether two-legged or four!