Dandelions are popping up on my lawn. When I was little, I thought they were beautiful flowers. I used to pick a bunch of them to present to my mother. Her face would light up. She'd put them in a glass of water so they'd "stay beautiful." It made me happy, because she was a wonderful mother. I gave her weeds, yet she understood their meaning. Neither she nor I needed more. Nature provided a pure, simple way to say, "I love you."
As years pass, we place more and more importance on the cost of gifts, both given and received. Often, the monetary value of things ruins the simple beauty of giving a pure piece of your heart "to" someone, or receiving that "from" someone. What used to be "enough" is that no longer. Our desire for more can never be satisfied, because with each level of possession, we seek the next. I'm not being a Scrooge regarding the giving of gifts, but let me conclude what I felt seeing these dandelions today.
My mother is gone after struggling many years with MS. She had few expectations for gifts, and was a sponge for intimate caring. She showered everyone with unconditional love. As I saw these dandelions, I miss my mother more than any gifts I've ever received. I don't remember most gifts, but I'll always remember my mother's kind eyes and encouraging words, even from a handful of dandelions.
This Mother's Day, remember how you felt about your Mom when you were little. Express that however you're moved. Gifts and cards can't substitute for the pure love you expressed as a child. And mothers, find the same gratitude your mother had for the gifts you gave her as a child. Others, like me, can share that, once your parents are gone, nothing can take their place. Nothing, especially things.
So, go pick some dandelions, even if just to remember. Then, have a truly great Mother's Day....
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