penandpatience

My Mom

WRITERS WORDS:  “Love recognizes no barriers, it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”–Maya Angelou, American author and poet

MAY 2015 MONTHLY MUSING

MOTHERHOOD – IN MEMENTOS

Motherhood—an honorable, exhausting, frustrating, wonderful responsibility many women are lucky enough to experience. Motherhood begins with the birth of a beloved child and is a lifelong, infinite role. A mother’s love, devotion, shared knowledge and wisdom are lasting influences within her children long after her death. And…I believe it’s the hardest job a female will ever have regardless of career. My former business management career and now my writing endeavors pale by comparison to the Mom Job. However, the benefits far outweigh the daily traumas of parenthood and sometimes they occur in unexpected mementos.

This mother received a lop-sided Valentine from my then five year old son that I still cherish today. A hand-painted clown created by my daughter in grade school still graces the top of my bookcase after all these years. A book, “I Love You, Mom” a gift from another daughter with a written note and date (2003) also resides within my book shelf. Like many mothers, I’ve been blessed with many thoughtful gestures and artifacts from my now grown children. And then a few days ago I found buried treasure.

The annual job of cleaning out the bookcases was long overdue by at least four years. I began this daunting task by dumping framed photos, books, objet d’arts on the floor.  During the “big dump” two old cards fell to the floor from one of the books.  When I picked them up I discovered they were two saved birthday cards given to me by my mother.

The first one had two tiny elves flying around and one elf playing a piano—the cover words read, “A Birthday note.” When I opened it, a hand-written note in my mother’s beautiful handwriting brought back a long forgotten memory. She wrote:

“Dear Gay–Now you are “21” the magic year. Dad and I want for you all the happiness in the world, just as much happiness as you have given Dad and I in just having you.” (I did not correct my Mom’s use of the “I”)

And… I decline to share the date I reached the age of 21.

The second card had a Teddy Bear surrounded by red hearts, no note inside, but again signed with my Mom’s lovely cursive (what today’s generation labels handwriting) hand. The note on the outside of the card was written by me:  “From Mom-1993 – one of the last before she became ill—lost her memory.”  Yes, it was a sad time for family but she left us with years of memories—and mementos. Her navy blue cardigan sweater and beige knit beret have resided in my closet since her death.

And a last note for readers and writers– you may be interested in an anthology project titled, “So Glad They Told Me: Women getting real about motherhood.” Check it out at: www.herstoriesproject.com. Also of interest might be a publication titled Mom Egg Review that skillfully and brilliantly reveal truths about motherhood through poems, stories and art: www.momeggreview.com.

To All: Best wishes for a Happy Mother’s Day.