The above somewhat grainy photo was taken with my two kids a few years ago in Lake George…as part of a going away party before my son left for grad school in Arizona. In honor of Mother’s Day, I wanted to share this photo, as well as shots of other moms and their children taken throughout this gorgeous week.
As the mother of two awesome grown children, I can honestly say that I love this day. Love it! I love that today I can remind myself of how lucky I have been, not only with my kids, but with both my own mom and my ex-husband’s mother, who were my best friends and greatest advocates. Even my grandmothers were astonishing women and wonderful role models. I was truly blessed having these strong, intelligent and passionate women by my side as I grew up, guiding me and loving me; and then supporting me as I had children of my own.
And when I had those children of my own? Well, my life turned around. Upside down. Inside out. It was just as everyone had said…I had no idea I could love someone so much and with such an unconditional and completely all-consuming love. Being pregnant, giving birth, and then raising both my son (now 31) and my daughter (now 28) to be the kind, intelligent and wonderful adults that they are have been nothing short of the absolute best experiences of my life. I am grateful every day that I was given these beautiful souls to nurture, teach and love.
How lucky we are to have our children! And our mothers! And our grandmothers!
My heart is filled with memories of my kids growing up…their accomplishments, their mistakes, their heartbreaks, their joys. And all the little moments in between that have comprised their lives (and mine), and contributed to who they are today.
It was all those little moments that have meant the most to me. I have memories of the tiniest things that still melt me when I remember them. So many seemingly insignificant memories intertwined with all the truly big moments and events of their lives.
Even as babies, I remember seeing them take their first steps, or wobble down the street with the training wheels off their bikes for the first time…and me running alongside them, hanging on to the back of the bike seat to help steady them. Over and over and over again until they finally took off on their own. What a feeling of incredible joy it was to see them take off!
Or how about that first day of Kindergarten? I remember clearly the feeling of pride as they confidently marched up the steps of the school bus and turned around for one last excited wave goodbye, combined with the pain of my heart being torn out because this was surely their first step in growing up and eventually not needing me anymore.
But mostly I remember the hugs and the love. So much love! I remember the joy of hearing their little feet as they ran to me so that I could scoop them up. I remember cuddling in bed early in the mornings or during naps. I remember late nights curled up on the front lawn teaching them about stars, meteors and lunar eclipses. The random exuberant kisses. The complete and utter joy I have experienced for the past 31 years as a mom.
To all you young moms out there, if your own mothers are telling you to live in and appreciate every single moment with your kids (the good times AND the bad) because they will grow up in the blink of an eye, BELIEVE THEM. It flies by so incredibly quickly. Be there. Be “present” in every moment you are able to share with them. You won’t get those moments back. But, if you recognize them as the precious bits of life that they are, you will love and appreciate every single accomplishment and setback…and you will watch with pride as they are constantly learning, growing and finding their way in this world. And you will be SO VERY PROUD!
My kids both live out of state and I miss them terribly. But they are still connected to me, and I am very, very proud of the kind and accomplished adults they have become. And I am so incredibly proud of the lives they have created for themselves as adults.
Yes, we are all so lucky! Whether you are a mom yourself, or you are celebrating the love of your mother or grandmother, I hope you have a beautiful day. Show the love. Share the love. Enjoy the day! And live in every single moment…
Happy, Happy Mother’s Day!