Mother's Day Memories

Mother's Day, to me, is a day to enjoy my little blessings...Cameron and Claire and the gift of motherhood that God has given me. It is also a day to honor my sweet mother and to remember my grandmothers. It is also a day to look to the other women in my life who have influenced me in other ways....but for right now, memories of my Grandmother, Great Aunt and Mom are in the forefront of my mind.

This year was different. It was a Mother's Day that I didn't have a chance to spend with my mom due to my parents being out of town...or state, rather. It was the first Mother's Day that we weren't together. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on the many holidays we've shared over the past 33 years and the celebrations we've had. It was a time for reflection....of my childhood, shopping trips, mother-daughter talks, birthday party planning, cheerleading, prom dress shopping, and our favorite.......trips to see my grandmother and great aunt in Wichita Falls. I get those warm, fuzzy feelings when I think of our weekend trips from Graham to Wichita Falls to see Mama Nell and G.G. These trips always included watching "Days of Our Lives" with Mama Nell at her garden apartment with G.G. sitting and shaking her head in awe that we "actually watched that junk!" We would make numerous trips to Carrows Restaurant and I would watch the three of them drink many cups of coffee in the middle of the day. I couldn't believe they drank that stuff! Ha-now, as an adult, I couldn't imagine a day without it! I would sit there drinking the little white cups of half and half, gross! We also made numerous trips to Albertsons, taking them for a quick pick up of the necessities needed for a few days in their world. I now look back and see where I got my love for chatting with friends in random places. Mama Nell would ALWAYS find a friend to chat with whether it be the store, the bank, the mall, even the hospital. I would stand back, as the disgusted teenager, wondering if she would ever stop talking....just as G.G would. Now, I love that I have that trait of hers. It warms my heart.

Mom and I would always go to the mall and make a fun trip picking up various things I needed, but I couldn't wait to get to the bookstore. Waldenbook's was my favorite stop as a child. Eagerly approaching the children's section, I would go straight toward The Babysitter's Club and Sweet Valley Twins series. Mom and I would go our own ways and meet up at the counter with books in hand topped off with a brand new bookmark which adorned a puppy, kitten or some sort of iconic picture of the latest "cool" trend. Once returning to Mama Nell's apartment, I would instantly grab the favorite book out of the green Waldenbook's sack and delve into the words placing myself into the story as a main character alongside the others.

These memories are ones I hold dear to my heart. I pray that I can help Cameron and Claire have these same type of experiences with their Memaw and myself as the years progress. I know I am a better person having had these wonderful women in my life.

I miss Mama Nell and G.G., but know that one day we will reunite and might even be looking for the nearest Carrow's Restaurant inside the Pearly Gates.....with coffee, of course!