Celebrate the Tough Mothers in your life
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We first heard of ‘Gramma’ when my husband came home from work one day and asked if he could invite her over for tea later during the week. He mentioned that she had no family in the area and wanted to meet our kids. That first meeting changed everything.
It has been over two years since Gramma has been calling our home, her home away from home (She lives in the Assisted Living Home several miles away) and our kids her adopted grandkids. (She doesn’t have any grandkids of her own)
Celebrate the Tough Mothers in your life
Gramma has lived the hard life. Growing up as the only daughter after two sons was not easy. She was always handed the rough end of the deal while her brothers were given preference over all things. Even into her marriage, all the years that she was married to her husband, never once did he support their family. She had to work to feed their family of four and raise their son and daughter.
Today, even though she receives a meager pension, out of the little she does receive, she sends what she can to her adult son who sadly chooses to squander away whatever he gets.
She says she finds happiness and peace when she comes home and spends time with our kids.
With Mother’s Day coming up, we thought it would be nice to surprise her at the Home with a beautiful arrangement of flowers.
The lady manning the reception desk told us she was on the 1st floor with a few friends because it was Cards Night. We chose not to ring ahead as we wanted to surprise her.
As we walked through the door, Gramma couldn’t see us as her back was to the door but her friends did and they gasped. Gramma slowly turned around and her face broke into the widest grin ever. She couldn’t figure out why we were there but the friends at her table were sure it was a Mother’s Day gift.
It was then that I realized she had never received flowers for Mother’s Day.
To bring joy to an 84 year old woman with flowers in an oversized latte mug is honestly one of the best feelings ever.
I didn’t take photographs inside the room as it was a special moment that was private for her. But as I listened to her group of elderly friends giggle and chatter after we stepped out of the room, I was reminded that sometimes a simple act of love can be a big deal for the recipient.
This Mother’s Day, I’m encouraging you to surprise a Tough Mother or Tough Mothers you know, with an arrangement of flowers.
Motherhood is not easy and having a cheerleader assure you that you’re doing a great job, is sometimes all the thanks you need to help your surge forward.
As I look at the beautiful asiatic lilies, carnations and roses in the garden pitcher on my dining room table I think of everything my Mama has invested into my life.
I reflect upon the women God has brought into my life who have sown wisdom, faith and love.
All my Mama friends who have and will continue to show me how to be a better mother.
For each Tough Mother, I’m thankful.
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