When I was growing up, my family celebrated Mother’s Day with a family reunion held in Three River’s, California at a Memorial Hall. As the years went by we moved the reunion to Mooney Grove Park in Visalia, my home town, and celebrated Mother’s Day with a picnic family reunion. Relatives came from north and south for our memorable gatherings. Those Mother’s Days were some of the best days of my life as a flock of us cousins played and ran around whooping it up while the adults talked and talked the day away.
Now, all these years later, life is very different. I live in the Northeast and my three daughters and three grandsons are all in Montana. So, when Mother’s Day comes, I’m always a bit melancholy.
But, this year, I did a new thing. This morning, while getting ready for church, I heard a woman, Louise, on TV talking about being celebrated less and celebrating more. In other words, the less we are celebrated and the more we celebrate, the better off we are. That philosophy stayed with me all morning and after church, I determined to “celebrate” the rest of the day by getting outdoors.
What I did to “celebrate” Mother’s Day was to go for a walk in the woods. Since I cope with some serious health issues, I wasn't sure first that I even should be out hiking, and second, that I could even make it to the end of the stretch I was embarking on. I could see it on the eveing news..."local woman recused on Mother's Day from the AT". Perhaps it's times like this where will and spirit collide and create feminine determination that surpasses all speculation and fear. Because, I just really wanted to try and see if I could do it.
Thus, I set out on a stretch of the Appalachian Trail above Greenwood Lake, New York.
It was a beautiful day of serenity and peace as I meditated on being a mother, missing my own mother, and valuing my children. Thank you, "Louise", for helping me set my Mother’s Day priorities so that I could go out and learn and grow and celebrate to the hilt!
I want to hear from you and how you celebrated Mother’s Day. Be the first to leave your comments below.
2 comments:
Hi! I remember family reunions too!!! Sunday was a very special day as I shopped Saturday to make a very special day for my VERY pregnant daughter in law and my son. Long time ago, I realized that life is not about "ME", but about you and all others in this world. The greatest joy and happiness comes from serving and giving of time and energies to make others happy!! I made a dinner and invted my other son (who was returning late afternoon by plane from Brazil) and his mother-in-law and 2 little boys(who were all left at home), but they were all too tired from traveling. The meal became one of the best meals I ever ate (even with my cooking it :)! )! As I sat there and looked around the beautifully set table and lovely meal and cheerful faces of loved ones, I couldn't help but realize that this must be what the Lord speaks of as TRUE eternal HAPPINESS!! Phone calls poured in from my other 7 children and the beautiful fragrance of roses adorning my kitchen table created a serenity beyond words or description!!! Life is good!! Life is Wonderful!!
Top Blonde! You set out in the valley but reached the peak of your day atop the AT! Holidays do change...but thank goodness for memories and the new ones we make!
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