Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
"As I Watch You Sleep"
~Diane Loomans~
My precious child, I have slipped into your room to sit with you as you sleep, and watch the rise and fall of your breath for a while. Your eyes are peacefully closed, and your soft blond curls frame your cherubic face. Just moments ago, as I sat with my paperwork in the den, a mounting sadness came over me, while I contemplated the day's events. I could no longer keep my attention on my work, and so I have come to talk to you in silence, as you rest.
In the morning, I was impatient with you as you dawdled and dressed slowly, telling you to stop being such a slowpoke. I scolded you for misplacing your lunch ticket, and I capped off breakfast with a disapproving look as you spilled food on your shirt. "Again?" I sighed and shook my head. You just smiled sheepishly at me and said, "Bye, Mommy!"
In the afternoon, I made phone calls while you played in your room, singing aloud and gesturing to yourself, with all of your toys lined up in jovial rows on the bed. I motioned irritably for you to be quiet and stop all the racket, and then proceeded to spend another busy hour on the phone. "Get your homework done right now," I later rattled off like a sergeant, "and stop wasting so much time." "Okay, Mom," you said remorsefully, sitting up straight at your desk with pencil in hand. After that, it was quiet in your room.
In the evening, as I worked at my desk, you approached me hesitantly. "Will we read a story tonight, Mom? you asked with a glimmer of hope. "Not tonight," I said abruptly, "your room is still a mess! How many times will I have to remind you?" You wandered off in a shuffle with your head down, peering around the edge of the door. "Now what do you want?" I asked in an agitated tone of voice.
You didn't say a word, you just came bounding in the room, threw your arms around my neck and kissed me on the cheek. "Good night, Mommy, I Love You," was all you said, as you squeezed tightly. And then, as swiftly as you had appeared, you were gone.
After that, I sat with my eyes fixed on my desk for a long time, feeling a wave of remorse come over me. At what point did I lose the rhythm of the day, I wondered, and at what cost? You hadn't done anything to evoke my mood. You were just being a child, busy about the task of growing and learning. I got lost today, in an adult world of responsibilities and demands, and had little energy left to give to you. You became my teacher today, with your unrestrained urge to rush in and kiss me good-night, even after an arduous day of tip-toeing around my moods.
And now, as I see you lying fast asleep, I yearn for the day to start all over again. Tomorrow, I will treat myself with as much understanding as you have shown me today, so that I can be a real mom---offering a warm smile when you awaken, a word of encouragement after school, and an animated story before bed. I will laugh when you laugh and cry when you cry. I will remind myself that you are a child, not a grownup, and I will enjoy being your Mom. Your resilient spirit has touched me today, and so, I come to you in this late hour to thank you, my child, my teacher and my friend, for the gift of your love.
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"To My Grown-Up Son"
~Author Unknown~
My hands were busy through the day
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to,
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And asked me please to share your fun
I'd say, "A little later, Son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door...
I wish I'd stayed a minute more.
For life is short, the years rush past...
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play,
No good-night kiss, no prayers to hear,
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to!
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
"Taking A Break"
(From "The Best of Bits & Pieces")
Being a working woman can be tough, but holding a job and having children is even tougher.
There's a story about a mother with three active boys who were playing cops and robbers in the back yard after dinner one Summer evening.
One of the boys "shot" his mother and yelled, "Bang, you're dead." She slumped to the ground and when she didn't get up right away, a neighbor ran over to see if she had been hurt in the fall.
When the neighbor bent over, the overworked mother opened one eye and said, "Shhh. Don't give me away. It's the only chance I get to rest!"
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"A Mother's Letter To The World"
~Author Unknown~
Dear World:
My son starts school today. It's going to be strange and new to him for a while. And I wish you would sort of treat him gently.
You see, up to now, he's been king of the roost. He's been boss of the backyard. I have always been around to repair his wounds, and to soothe his feelings.
But now---things are going to be different.
This morning, he's going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand and start on his great adventure that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow.
To live his life in the world he has to live will require faith and love and courage.
So, World, I wish you could sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach him---but gently, if you can. Teach him that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every crooked politician there is a dedicated leader; that for every enemy there is a friend. Teach him the wonders of books.
Give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the Sun, and flowers on the green hill. Teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat.
Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone else tells him they are wrong. Teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidder, but never to put a price on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob...and to stand and fight if he thinks he's right.
Teach him gently, World, but don't coddle him, because only the test of Fire makes fine steel.
This is a big order, World, but see what you can do. He's such a nice little fellow.
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"To Give The Gift Of Love"
~Patty Hansen~
You had your eyes open a little while ago, but now you just want to sleep. I wish you would open your eyes and look at me. My child, my precious, my angel sent from Heaven...this will be the last time we are together. As I hold you close to me and feel your tiny body warm against my own, I look at you and look at you...I feel as if my eyes can't hold enough of you. For a human being so small, there is a lot of you to look at...in such a short time. In a few minutes, they will come and take you away from me. But for now, this is our time together and you belong to only me.
Your cheeks are still bruised from your birth---they feel so soft to my fingertip, like the wing of a butterfly. Your eyebrows are tightly clenched in concentration---are you dreaming? You have too many eyelashes to count and yet I want to engrave them all in my mind. I don't want to forget anything about you. Is it all right that you are breathing so rapidly? I don't know anything about babies---maybe I never will. But I know one thing for sure---I love you with all my heart. I love you so much and there is no way to tell you. I hope that someday you will understand. I am giving you away because I love you. I want you to have in your life all the things I could never have in mine---safety, compassion, joy, and acceptance. I want you to be loved for who you are.
I wish I could squish you back inside of me---I'm not ready to let you go. If I could just hold you like this forever and never have to face tomorrow--- would everything be all right? No, I know everything will only be all right if I let you go. I just didn't expect to feel this way---I didn't know you would be so beautiful and so perfect. I feel as if my heart is being pulled from my body right through my skin. I didn't know I would feel so much pain.
Tomorrow your mom and dad are coming to the hospital to pick you up, and you will start your life. I pray that they will tell you about me. I hope they will know how brave I have been. I hope they will tell you how much I loved you because I won't be around to tell you myself. I will cry every day somewhere inside of me because I will miss you so much. I hope I will see you again someday---but I want you to grow up to be strong and beautiful and to have everything you want. I want you to have a home and a family. I want you to have children of your own someday that are as beautiful as you are. I hope that you will try to understand and not be angry with me.
The nurse comes into the room and reaches out her arms for you. Do I have to let you go? I can feel your heart beating rapidly and you finally open your eyes. You look into my eyes with trust and innocence, and we lock hearts. I give you to the nurse. I feel as if I could die. Good-bye, my baby---a piece of my heart will be with you always, and forever. I love you, I love you....I love you...
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"In A Hurry"
~Gina Barrett Schlesinger~
I was in a hurry.
I came rushing through our dining room in my best suit, focused on getting ready for an evening meeting. Gillian, my four-year-old, was dancing about to one of her favorite oldies, "Cool," from "West Side Story."
I was in a hurry, on the verge of being late. Yet a small voice inside of me said, "Stop."
So I stopped. I looked at her. I reached out, grabbed her hand, and spun her around. My seven-year-old Caitlin, came into our orbit, and I grabbed her too. The three of us did a wild jitterbug around the dining room and into the living room. We were laughing. We were spinning. Could the neighbors see the lunacy through the windows? It didn't matter. The song ended with a dramatic flourish and our dance finished with it. I patted them on their bottoms and sent them to take their baths.
They went upstairs, gasping for breath, their giggles bouncing off the walls. I went back to business. I overheard my youngest say to her sister, "Caitlin, isn't Mommy the bestest one?"
I froze. How close I had come to hurrying through life, missing the moment. My mind went to the awards and diplomas that covered the walls of my office. No award, no achievement I have ever earned can match this: "Isn't Mommy the bestest one?"
My child said that at age four. I don't expect her to say it at age 14. But at age 40, if she bends down over that pine box to say good-bye to the cast-off container of my soul, I want her to say it then.
"Isn't Mommy the bestest one?"
It doesn't fit on my resume'. But I want it on my tombstone.
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Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
Those are beautiful! I have an 8 year old son who I adore. It's amazing how they change your life, all for the better. I've always said he's the greatest gift of love God has ever given to me. And in return, I'm determined to teach him to be loving, honest, kind and forgiving, because I know when he becomes a man and he has these four things, he can make a difference in the lives of others. Oh, and for Mothers Day, I'll be at his recital. He plays piano. He's been taking lessons not quite one year yet. And his piece is "Whistel While You Work" from Snow White.
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
Oh Em Eff Gee this thread is making me cry! :)
I miss my mom...
Happy mommies day to the moms, the almost moms like me, the former moms, the future moms, the step moms, the grandmoms, the foster moms, the adoptive moms, the moms in spirit, the mother figures, the moms long gone like mine, and to those who dream of momness.
You are the best invention evar.
Sometimes I sit and wonder what kind of mom I would have been had things worked out proper... I'd have a 4 (and a half) year old right now. Would I have been a good mom? Like my mom? But I dont really remember what kind of mom she was, beyond what people tell me. I hope that someday I become a mom, a great one too. I hope I can be as grea a person as I hear my own was. Inspiration through stories...
Much love to you all. :-*
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
aw Rhiannon!!! you're the best mmmy to take time and write this all down for us to appreciate our mothers and appreciate being mommys too!!! Happy Mothers Day Rhiannon!!!!!!! Thanks for all you have contributed!!That's really sweet of you honey!!You are the sweetest thing!! *hugs* And Happy Mothers Day to all of you Mommy's out there!! ;)
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
You're very welcome, Tia. And thank you for the compliments :)
There's pretty much something for everyone here. I tried to dig up as much as I could from all of my books. They all are very touching, but I think the one that seriously brought me to tears was "To Give The Gift Of Love". I can't imagine how hard it is to give your child up for adoption, and to see it from that angle was just.. wow.
***Hugs*** back to ya, and all the other Mommies on the site :o)
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
Wow, I'm not a mom, so I can't believe I'm sitting here boo-hooing over these. Writings like these make me realize just how blessed I am to have a mom like mine.
Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers on board!!
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
Thanks Rhi! With all that's been going on lately, reading this stuff reminded me that I need to make more time for Makayla.
Happy Mother's Day to everyone!!!!
******HUGS*******
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
I know this is an old thread however it is worth dredging up again considering this Sunday in Australia actually is Mother's Day :laughing:
Similiar to Paige, my mother is not of this life anymore tho' I do have a step-mum. I also wish all the mother's in whatever form a wonderful day ... and know that you are blessed to be a mum!!!
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
Thanks for bumping this one up, GCG! It's definitely worth it!
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
Here's another one of my favorites. My Grandmother stitched a quilt with the last paragraph on it for me on my very first Mother's Day (I was a "Mommy to Be" back then)..
"Babies Don't Keep"
Mother, of Mother, come shake out your cloth
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing and butter the bread,
Sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.
Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
(lullaby, rockabye, lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).
The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
and out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
but I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
for children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.
-- Author Unknown
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
I hope all you mommies have a wonderful day. :)
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
here's one my friend gave to me in a hand made frame...(my house is always a mess and i'm always complaining about it lol)
You may not find things all in place,
Friend, when you enter here,
But, we're a home where children live,
We hold them very dear,
And you may find small fingerprints
and smudges on the wall,
When the kids are gone, we'll clean them up
Right now, we're playing ball
For there's one thinkg of which we're sure,
These children are on loan,
One day they're always underfoot,
Next thing you know - they're gone.
That's when we'll have a well-kept house,
When they're off on their own.
Right now, this is where children live,
A loved and lived in home.
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
I was wonderin if you all would do me the biggest favor you all could ever do for me?
During all the Mommy's Day festivities, no matter how you do it, can you take a moment to thank my mommy for being a phenominal mommy until the day she left this earth? Even with all the tubes and chemo and such... she was always able to still be mom. She left the hospital to see my first communion, she always had the right things to say for all of my problems, even when talking was hard to do. Please, just a thought will do...
Happy Mommy's Day, Anna Marie Gisiano-Bischoff
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...an/MOM_DAD.jpg
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
Wow, Paige.. She was truly beautiful. And you look exactly like her!
Re: Sunday Is Mother's Day
Thank you. I used to never see the resemblance... ever. Until one of my best friends took a photo of her and photoshopped it so she had similar hair color to mine... Now I see it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...han/spooky.jpg'