Moms

This year has been very difficult for some of my friends and their families. It will be the first year without their mothers and they will be a little sad.

My oldest friend Glenna has recently lost her own mother. I hurt for her because I know that holidays are particularly difficult that first year.

Glenna and I had our ups and downs with our friendship. As we grew up, there were times when we were not all that close. However, I do believe that our childhood memories have kept us together even in the intervening years of adulthood.

We spent hours on the school bus singing songs, having laughing tea parties, trying to become blood "brothers" with a dull safety pin and on a few occasions getting into trouble.

Glenna celebrated most of my childhood birthdays with me. One birthday in particular, we decided that birthday spankings hurt and so we donned ballerina tutus which had some major padding in the way of netting. Needless to say, we were sent right back to the bedroom to change into regular clothes in order for the party fun to continue.

Glenna's mother, Thomasene had to be one of the most talented people that I have ever met. Everything was made from scratch, even their cottage cheese. She taught her girls to sew, cook and encouraged all other artistic endeavors.

One of the things that I remember about Glenna's childhood home was a Hoosier cabinet complete with a flour grinder in their kitchen. Their pantry was stocked with home canned goods and they had a root cellar with potatoes, carrots and other vegetables.

Thomasene would be considered a queen with those who are trying to get back to simpler living. She knew how to stretch a dollar and keep her home self-sufficient. She worked hard with a dairy and a farm because Glenna's dad worked away from home several months of the year.

She left an enduring legacy with her children and grandchildren. And they will miss her terribly.

There has been several mothers that we have had to say goodbye to this year. And each of them provided some kind of special memory that will forever remain in our hearts and minds.

I don't think that I was a great mom to my kids at times. It was very difficult at times to be a single mom who worked and went to school. I had a few years where things were not always in control and some tough days when I was so very sick. I regret that period in my life deeply.

I also regret not being thankful enough to my own mother. She has to be one of the most forgiving people that I know.

Mothers Day is only one day on the calendar. The other 364 days present all sorts of challenges to us mothers. We have been entrusted with little souls who look to us for everything until they reach a certain age.

As mothers, we want so much for our children. We want to protect them from chicken pox; bullies, getting bitten by stray dogs and strangers. We pray hard and hope big for their futures. The easy years are kissing away hurts and applying band aids to skinned knees.

The hard years are when they want to be on their own and you have to trust God will protect them and the very principals of life will remain true in their hearts as they venture out into the world.

I don't believe that any of us could ever imagine our lives without our moms. I delight in all the time spent making good memories and not dwelling on the past. I cherish being able to call my mother each week. I love to hear her laugh and enjoy life in her own special way.

For those of you who are missing your moms on Sunday; please accept my heartfelt hug and prayers of comfort and peace.

And Happy Mother's Day to those single mothers who work so hard to be strong for their children's sake while they struggle to keep their families together. Your children see your courage and determination.

Happy Mothers Day to those mothers who have sons and daughters in the military. We appreciate their service to our country.

I am counting my blessing tonight as I finish this blog. I am so thankful for new beginnings and great friendships. I am blessed with my grandchildren who continually light up my life and a husband who gives me roses and laughter.

Happy Mother's Day.