Mother’s Day

I am awesome creative with that title aren’t I?

I woke up this morning to my little boy giving me a heart shaped bracelet that he picked out of the prize box at school.  He earned Eagle Pride at school and when he does this he get’s to pick a treat out of the box.  Usually there are little candies or other prizes kindergarteners think are hot stuff.  This week, instead of choosing a little Twix bar or other trinket, he picked a heart shaped bracelet for his mama.  He gave it to me this morning and said, “I know it won’t fit you, but I thought you’d like it.”  I love it.

After he gave me the bracelet he told his dad to go get the other present in his room (that he couldn’t reach).  Derek came back with a gift wrapped in a brown paper bag.  The bag was stamped with hearts and butterflies.  Inside was a ceramic tile with Oleg’s hand print on it.  I love it too.

For breakfast Derek made me delicious gluten free pancakes*.  I shared pancakes with my family for the first time without getting an upset stomach.  I loved that too.

This afternoon we have planned to visit the cemetery to leave flowers for Derek’s mom and then go to Pike’s Place Market.  I love to play tourist in Seattle.

This Mother’s Day is bittersweet for me.  I had the joy of waking up and sharing my first moments of the day with my family.  However I do it with a sense of guilt.  Today I get to call my mom and wish her a happy Mother’s Day.  My husband and sisters don’t get that luxury.  Today I got to wake up next to my son, give him a hug and kiss and thank him for the sweet gifts.  My sister-in-law doesn’t**.

I’m lucky… and I’m guilty.

Derek had one of the best moms there ever was and ever will be.  I wish she was here so we could celebrate that with her.  She’s not and we are learning to accept that.  What we will do is celebrate anyway.  We will celebrate the grandmothers that taught us, the mothers that are with us, the sisters we love and the aunties that make every day special.

Happy Mother’s Day beautiful women!

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*I forgot to mention that I’ve had a few intestinal issues and my diet has been restricted back to gluten and dairy free.  I’m not very happy about it, but my stomach thanks me.

**Derek’s sister is in the process of waiting for a referral in a domestic adoption.