Friday, February 6, 2015

Gifts from a Mother's Heart




“Gifts from a Mother’s Heart”

Flowers arrived at my door today.  Trudging through the snow over the unpaved walkway, the delivery man arrived with a bright bouquet of orange gerbera daisies, red roses, yellowish-white lilies and greenery, a perfect match for my house and my tastes.  A message read, “Happy fiftieth, love Mom”, who else, simple and perfect.  Tears welled in my eyes.

Mom, I should be buying you flowers.  You gave birth to me.  You nurtured me for years.  You cleaned my room, my bathroom and cooked dinner for me for two decades or more.  You paid my college tuition.  You kissed my knee when I fell down and hugged me tight through the trials of my life, although you had plenty of you own to deal with, you stayed strong for me, your sensitive daughter.

How do I thank you?  I can’t thank you enough.  You are getting older although all my friends comment on how young you look.  You are strong and healthy.  I hope you stay that way for many years to come because I don’t want to imagine my life without you in it.  You are my best friend and my confidant.  You are my shopping and travel buddy.  You taught me to love books, travel and the world.  Again, I say “thank you”.

On the eve of my half-century mark, I don’t want to celebrate “me”.  I want to celebrate “you”, my Mommy, my Mom and now the girls Grammie.  You are all of these names wrapped into one, Mother.

My life without you wouldn’t be my life or any life.  You gave me life and love.  You continue to shower me with “gifts from the heart”, whether it’s a travel guide on Santa Fe, a paperweight with a leaf from our trip to Virginia or a cool orange coach bag.  For these and for all the treasures you have gifted me, whether it is a souvenir from a trip or your love for learning, my heart opens with gratitude.

In dedication to my Mom, Sara Joan Vahle Herron

Susan J. McFarland

February 2015