Mothers Day, like a lot of holidays, seem to mean different things to you depending on what phase of life you're in. I can't say I remember a lot of Mothers Days growing up. I do remember 1988 though. My mom was still in the hospital, having just delivered Matt. At the end of sacrament meeting they were acknowledging all the moms. Asking who had the oldest child, who had the most kids, etc. When they got to who had the youngest child my dad made me stand up. There were a lot of laughs. Everyone knew I was standing in place for my mom, but I suppose it was still funny to see an 8 year old stand up.
Mothers Days in New Zealand were exciting times because it meant we got to call home and talk to our family. And I know I spent quite a few Mothers Days in my 20's waiting and longing a bit for a time that I would be a mother.
I don't know if I have any concrete memories of my mothers days for the last 8 years. I love (and have kept, for the most part) all of the homemade cards and pictures I've received. Usually teachers in school and primary have done a good job at helping the kids create masterful works of art every year. And, Justin hasn't done a bad job himself over the years.
This Mothers Day feels a little different. They say that you don't know what you've got until it's gone. I would argue that isn't always the case. When faced with the realization that someone won't be in your life for as long as you expected them to be, I think you're allowed to realize what you've got.
Just about every time I pick up the phone to call my mom I'm grateful I can do that. And every time there's an opportunity to spend time with her, and particularly when my kids are able to come as well, I take it. Despite the difficulty and inconvenience that may result because of it. I find myself looking for opportunities to create lasting memories with my mom.
When I became a mom I instantly realized how much I still needed mine. And when I realized that she wasn't going to be around forever, I instantly needed her even more.
My mom is the family ask-a-nurse (being an actual nurse not withstanding). She out shops me 10 to 1, and pretty much clothes my children. She organizes and opens her home for countless family gatherings despite the stress it brings.
She went back to school not once, but twice. She is a hard worker and a list maker. She's always on time and plan ahead for everything. She mends my kids clothes and toys and provides with the tools and supplies for nearly any and all crafty project I attempt.
She's a master decorator and loves buying things big and small for all of her grandchildren. Her joy truly comes from knowing her 'children walk in truth'.
She has faced her current trial head on and with determination. I know she gets down, feels scared, gets sick and tired and being sick and tired, but she continues on. Sometimes with a good attitude, sometimes when she doesn't want to, but she seems to just deal with it, the same way she's dealt with whatever else she's been asked to endure, much like her own mother. My Grandma Petersen was another strong and independent matriarch of a fine family. She endured, she enjoyed her family and she made it a priority to provide memorable experiences and memento's for her entire family.
I hope and pray my children will have wonderful memories of their grandmother and continue to have the opportunity to make a million more with her.
