Mother's Day

 

Madi made sure Mother's Day was special for me and for Bubba too. She formally invited us to a tea party at school on Friday. She was so excited for the program that she nearly burst open trying to keep the details a surprise. She managed to keep the secret though.

The kids gave a sweet performance of songs and poems dedicated to Moms and Grandmas. It was so sweet. The kleenex pretty much came out when we were seated. I find those things pretty emotional. They are just so, so precious. We were very proud of Madi and her strong singing performance. We were then seated for dessert and punch in the fellowship hall, which was decorated with the children's beautiful artwork. Madi presented me with a bag of goodies containing the most gorgeous handmade card ever and a special heart-shaped box with her sweet little graduation picture on it. She said I should put all of my precious jewelry in it, but right now all of her jewelry happens to be in it! 

On Sunday, Madi, Daddy & Charlie presented me a gift certificate for a much-needed manicure and pedicure that I will redeem over the summer. Madi was quite disappointed when she found out that I wasn't receiving my 'royal treatment' that day. She was so upset by it (literally in tears) that she decided to give me a manicure herself. And so, as I look at my left hand I see one yellow nail, one pink nail, one purple nail, one blue nail, and a green thumb!  She lost her ambition waiting for my left hand to dry, and so my right hand goes unpainted...

We had a delicious family dinner at Bubba and Grandpa's house. We are winding down for their departure tomorrow. It will be difficult here without them. We've come to rely on them so much for fun time, babysitting, and just to have around when I need an extra hand or some support.

As beautiful as Mother's Day was with my children, I couldn't help thinking about last year and my only Mother's Day with Daniel. At least I had that--Jimmy never even got to have a Father's Day with him. I wish I had more vivid memories of our day together though. Our celebration last year was so clouded with preparation for his surgery, and I'm sad for that. So, this year I celebrated with two in my presence but three in my heart.

I do vividly remember this day last year. We were saying goodbye to family and friends and heading down to Miami with Daniel. We went out to dinner that night in Miami with Grandpa, and it was like Daniel saw the world with a new set of eyes. He soaked up every minute and enjoyed every experience of seeing the intracoastal waterway with boats, birds, fish and all kinds of action.  His surgery took place one year ago tomorrow. He loved life and his enthusiasm and courage inspires us everyday.