Mother's Day

This is Mother's Day weekend and I am feeling really blessed. All my children will be spending the day with their kids. Richard and I will be here knowing that they too are blessed by children and grandchildren. Quiet is good. We love our family, but need quiet. The sound of children playing is precious. But a little goes a long way. As we get older, we find that crowds and noise get on our nerves.

I have already received a call from my oldest granddaughter, wishing me a happy Mother's Day and sharing her joy of moving into her new dream house. It has been a long hard struggle for her to get to this point. But she took the time to call and share. Thank you.

Two of my daughters have already presented gifts, as well. I received new garden tools from one, ear rings, a card, and a really wonderful book on cooking gluten free from the other. Thank both of you so much.

Of course the other kids live far away but I expect to hear from them on Sunday. All the kids have families that will be celebrating them as mom. The torch has been passed. We have been 4 generations now for 13 years. It gives me so much pleasure to see how my family is developing.

So many paths that lead to diverse places, both physical and in interests. My family is quite literally spread around the world. Doug is in the middle east, Amy and 5 grandchildren in Europe, Rick, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren in Washington, Misty and 2 great-grandchildren in Florida, Carmen in NYC, and the rest here in Oregon.

To date, most of my grown grandchildren have chosen careers that involve some sort of service to others. One is serving in the military, one working in the medical field, one as a cosier in NYC, and another working at a university. Still another grandchild has chosen a career as a stay at home mom, perhaps the greater service of all. The remaining adult grandchildren, are still either in school or trying to figure out their lives. I am confident that they will find a path that includes bringing joy to others.

Happy Mother's Day to my daughters (Shelley, Dianna, and Amy), to my soon to be daughter-in-law Amy L, and to my granddaughters (Misty, Bridget, and Lissa). I love all of you more than you can possibly know. But please forgive my tears, for right now I wish I could express my love and a happy Mother's Day to my own mom . Mom died just over 16 years ago and I am missing her so very much.