Saturday, May 8, 2010

the gift of motherhood

'In raising children I have lost my mind, but found my soul.' ~ Lisa T. Shepherd

'I see who I want to be, in my daughter's eyes.' ~ Martina McBride

'A mother understands what a child doesn't say.' ~ Jewish Proverb

Last night I carried 4 year old Will up the stairs to bed, he had fallen asleep on our family room floor. He has been doing that fairly frequently lately as he's kind of in that stage of giving up his nap, and he's pretty tired after dinner time. As I carried him up the stairs and smelled his hair and sweet little boy scent, I thought to myself that I've been carrying my sleeping young children up to bed for a long time...I've been a mom for 25 years. That's half my life.
The above 3 quotes spoke to me, in fact I could have written them myself, as they describe my feelings so well. I became a mom for the first time in my mid 20's and in many ways feel like I grew up with my oldest son. This second chance of motherhood which started in my 40's has certainly been one of my greatest gifts. With maturity also comes some wisdom, or at least for me it did. I found out what was important to me and really who I am as a person, through my young children.
The best advice about being a mother and a parent came from my own mom. My mom had 4 children in 5 and a half years, and what she taught me was, "Don't sweat the small stuff and have fun." And whether it's raising a toddler, a teenager or communicating with my 25 year old son, I have taken that advice to heart. It doesn't matter if my house is a mess, my children's clothes match perfectly or I cook nutritionally perfect meals for dinner every single night. What does matter is that they are learning to be good, giving and kind people and that they are loved unconditionally and always.
Happy Mother's Day to you and your's, whether you are a mom, are waiting for your child and will be a mom, or still have a mom in your life. Cherish them always!

23 kind words:

Karen said...

...there's no no better gift! Lovely photos- especially love the the last one.
Happy Mother's Day-enjoy your weekend!

Love Letters To China said...

What a beautifully written post. I too feel the same way as you. My children are such a blessing in my life.

Happy Mother's Day!

Grace

p.s. Your pictures are gorgeous! Love the last one too.

Kate said...

Amen and amen.

Kim said...

Happy Mother's Day my friend..
YOU are a wonderful Mommy..
Hugs..
Beautiful photos..

fleur de lis cottage said...

Beautifully written Gail!

Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Life with JJ, Starr and Spice said...

Parallel lives SFAM! Love this post! Enjoy your big and little's tomorrow. I know that you will.

Hugs to you!!

Love you
Lori

Debbie said...

Beautiful, the pictures and the post. Happy Mother's Day!

Wanda said...

I love this post, love the quotes, love the photos, love the sentiment and...ummm......love you!

You said it perfectly.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Unknown said...

Lovely photos, and your words are so very true. I live by the motto, 'don't sweat the small stuff'...or at least I strive to! Our kids will have much more love and respect for us when we take the time to spend time with them, play with them, have fun with them, rather than have a perfectly kept house and life. Quality time is so very key!

Happy mother's day to you too! Hope its a blessed one!

Angie :)

a Tonggu Momma said...

As I sit here sick... for Day 13... I so needed to read this reminder. Who cares that the Tongginator has been subsisting on sandwiches for a week of dinners? Who cares that my house is a mess? Thank you so much for this post, Gail.

Dita said...

No greater gift, indeed...than to be a mom and have had one!

I, too, cannot imagine life without my children and carrying them to bed at night I often just stay with them a little longer to breathe in their sweet scent and reminisce about the years spent together and dream about the years to come.

Nope....no greater gift.

Happy Mother's Day!

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

Gail this is beautiful!!! You are such an inspiration to me....I love you dearly!!! Happy Mother's Day to one of the most caring and loving Mother's that I know.
{{{hug}}}

Kayce said...

Perfect words for all, thank you for the reminder. Happy Mother's Day to you!! Enjoy your day tomorrow and all that fills it!

Anonymous said...

Love it!
Beautiful!

Jodee said...

I love this post! Hope you have a fun and relaxing Mother's Day!

Steffie B. said...

Lovly Gail....and the images are spectacular....HMD my friend! ;)

redmaryjanes said...

Happy Mother's Day dear friend. We are very blessed.

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

I will "cherish them"! Even if they don't show up on Mother's Day!

Hope your days was memorable.

Lea
xo

Missy said...

Such a beautiful post, Gail! You are an amazing mom to your beautiful children. I know you cherish them! Happy Mother's Day!

Margaret M said...

Beautiful!!!!

Heather said...

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day. I love those kiddos of yours Gail, they make me smile every single time!! :)

Have a blessed week!
Heather

Casey said...

Come on now... It DOES matter if the clothing matches perfectly. ;)

So true!! Children and motherhood are the best gifts we have in life. I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. Happy Mother's Day!!

Donna said...

Love the quotes. Especially the one about losing my mind but finding my soul.

I've been carrying sleeping children for 22 years. Keeps me strong! Hopefully we'll slide right into grandparenthood and our arms will never be empty!

Donna
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