cMother’s Day was the best ever this year! I am sure you sense I had an earth shattering, tear jerker of a Mother’s Day to make such a statement. Obviously it was neither.
The day was simply a day full of warmth with moments of laughter. It was also full of real life, dealing with a few family members for whom life is not easy right now, school work, laundry and errands for the family. We did get an extra lucky exchange of hugs from family who stopped by briefly; extra strong hugs especially for our daughter.
The morning started with a load of laundry and grey skies. The sun peeked out long enough to have me attempt to hang the towels outside to dry. After the winter we just had, hanging clothes on the line sure felt nice if only to be looking into the yard where spring had finally shown up.
As the towels were drying, the kids, who are no longer kids, got up and joined my husband and me.
The day started with gifts full of warmth; stuff for the bath and a charm from our daughter.
There were the typical calls, Mother’s Day crafts (I made a little something for Mom) and visits with our respective mothers.
The best part of my Mother’s Day was a game of Settlers of Catan. Oh but what silliness. The four of us around the table; our fortunes changing on a dime; the negotiations; the laughter. A few hours cut out just to be together.
How great it is to learn that playing games would still be as much fun if not more so then when the children were little. The time to be so connected with nothing at risk except maybe your self-respect if you snort when you laugh.
Such moments warm me. They always have.
By days end, after a family supper, I got to use some of my gifts and took a hot bath.
Since the day had turned so cold, I was looking forward to sinking these old muscles in the pure luxury of a hot bath. I went into our bathroom and lit candles since I did not want the harsh glare of the bathroom lights. As my arm passed near a candle I felt the warmth that simple flame gave off. That too made me feel blessed and made me think how even small things can warm us. As the bath filled I almost felt guilty of the quantity of water that I wanted to use to relax. Even in our dire times we always had water, a simple necessity of life. One that is not available to everyone in this day and age, which still blows my mind.
How many things do I take for granted?
Hopefully I can savour what I truly have and have always had…. my family, a roof over our heads, food, laughter, heat and simple ways to relax… and for the last little while, health for the four of us. Nary an ambulance in sight.
Everyone made time for the game in the morning and then supper in the evening. The family time was particularly heartfelt since our oldest has an opportunity to go far far away for at least a year and she might be gone before this Father’s Day.
With that in mind, on Mother’s Day, I simply enjoyed their presence which counts so much more than their presents.
Isn’t that what truly counts?