Friday, May 6, 2011

Words, Words, Words about Mom

Jack brought this home from school yesterday. My favorite sentence is, "My mom is as pretty as the moon and stars."


This weekend we celebrate moms...those who are raising or have raised humans. Moms are not made by the experience of giving birth. They are made by loving someone who needs them. They are made by joy and celebration over everything from first smiles to mud pies to prom night. They are made by worry and fret over fevers, the influence of peers, and the hard lessons they let their children learn. They are made by kissing boo-boos and taking away Wii time for misdeeds, feeding hungry tummies every single day, getting calls from principals and teachers about issues that make them want to sink through the floor in embarrassment, and bursting with pride the first time their little one remembers to put dirty clothes in the basket. Moms are made by making mistakes and feeling guilty, by moving forward on faith, by praying each and every day that they are doing the right things to raise an adult who can stand competently and happily on his or her own two feet.

Moms are made by holding on and by letting go, and by never, ever forgetting that this human they love was once a helpless baby with a toothless grin.

Let's celebrate our moms--those still with us and those who have passed on--by filling in the blank on one of the sentences in Jack's worksheet above, whichever one speaks to you right now in the moment.*

My mom is special to me because she loved me when I was not lovable.

Your turn!

*If you can't read them, click on the picture to enlarge it.

22 comments:

  1. I love the note from Jack. I am about to go to my first graders class. Their home made gifts are so precious!

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  2. "My mom can do many things. I think she is best at" living her faith. My mother has lived her life with compassion, but she always knows where to draw the line when an issue or situation should not be open to compromise.

    I absolutely love this post! I've already mailed my mother's day cards, but I wish I could have quoted you on the definition of a mother for my sister's card. She never gave birth, but she certainly fits your description and I always feel she deserves a card and recognition.

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  3. I loved Jack's letter. I love your post. I hope it's ok for me to quote you to both my daughters who did not give birth but have lovely daughters. Thank you so much.

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  4. Feel free to quote me all you want, Barbara!

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  5. Adore Jack's worksheet; I particularly like the part where he wrote 'by giving her hugs'. Love it and love your post

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  6. What a precious keepsake.......worthy of framing!

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  7. How precious and special. I agree, you can frame this.
    I don't have kids, but when my 8 year old niece gave me a birthday card (that she made & wrote herself) with the words: 'I love you, you make me feel like I'm in heaven' , I think I had a glimpse of how a mother feels.
    Happy Mother's Day!
    I really enjoy your posts

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  8. My Mom is special to me because she makes me feel cherished. And she makes the MOST scrumptious poundcakes. And she took time out of her day today to take me to the doctor. And even went into the exam room with me.

    So even though I'm a grown woman, with a grown son and 3 grandchildren, my Mom makes me feel cherished... always.

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  9. I wrote a post about my mom yesterday. Took me all afternoon to sort it out.

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  10. Susan this is precious. As pretty as the moon and the stars is the best compliment ever! Have a wonderful Mother's Day.

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  11. I love the way he has noticed your love for crafts! Too adorable!...but after all what does it take to be as pretty as the moon and the stars! WOW

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  12. I love my mum because...she spent so much of her life putting my sister and I first and we sure didn't value it or her. She is very generous.
    Terrific card. He's a sweet heart.

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  13. Awwww, that is so sweet. I love it.

    My mom can do many things. I think she is best at...transforming herself. She never stops learning. It is because of her, that I feel I can grow-no matter what my age. She truly is a life-long student.

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  14. My Mom can do many things! I think she is best at making me comfortable. I don't think anyone else can do it! I instantly feel better when I walk through her door. All pressure just drops away.

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  15. This post brought tears to my eyes .... what a wonderful keepsake note from Jack.
    My Mum was special to me because she was so capable and always tried to 'fix' things for me. She always tried to see the good in people and she loved me unconditionally but not blindly. Now she lives on in my heart and I miss her every day. She always had time no matter how busy and I have tried to do the same for my girls who are now grown and flown the nest. My youngest is going to be a first time Mum in October and I shall be sharing your definition of a Mum with her.
    TFS

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  16. sigh ... brings back memories! enjoy! they're grown in the wink of an eye! mine are in their 20's already ... where DOES the time go?!

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  17. What a wonderful card. As I read both your son's and your expressions of love, I was just taken away with memories. Thank you so much and a Happy Mother's Day to you also.

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  18. I hope you cried at that, I would have.

    My mom is special to me because she loves me warts and all!

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  19. My Mama is special to me because of the wonderful influence she's been on my life, and I know that our time together is getting shorter. She's 86 now, and she's changed a lot in the past 10 years, but I still see the strong and vibrant woman who raised six children. She taught me things that shaped the person I am today, and for that I am eternally grateful. I feel blessed to know that my Mama loved me unconditionally...she didn't always "like" me...but I know she loves me. I still strive to be the woman she wanted me to be...and always will.

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  20. Such a lovely post Susan - and Jack's card is wonderful - made me cry - happy tears!! Happy Mother's day to you. Hugs, Deborah xx

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  21. I love it when my Mom makes me a cherry pie...just cuz. She showed me how to be kind and friendly to all people.

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  22. What a wonderful gift you have shared with us Susan! Doesn't that just make your heart swell? My Mom was special because she always seemed to know the right thing to do and say. She put everyone ahead of herself. I still haven't learned how to do that, but I sure know how to appreciate it!

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Thanks so much for taking time to comment!