This Mother's Day

This year, things feel pretty different.

I don't want flowers.  I don't want jewelry.  I don't want to be pampered.  I don't have a need to be celebrated.

I just want a peaceful day with my kids.  Or a chaotic day with my kids.

I just want the day with my kids.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a guest post from my friend, Tim.  If you didn't read it then, go read it now.

Really - go on.  I'll wait right here.

Is my Mother's Day wish becoming more clear now?

Tim is part of my church family.  I'm rather fond of his kids.  And it breaks my heart that they've had all these years of dealing with not having a mom for Mother's Day.

I think about the projects done at school to celebrate mothers.  The conversations at church.  The advertisements on the radio and on TV.  The displays in every store.

I've always been aware of the heartache of these kinds of holidays for people and kids who don't have that parent to celebrate.  I didn't have a dad to celebrate for Father's Day for most of my elementary years - but I don't have strong memories of how I felt about it.

I know that there will be visits made to gravesites to "see" mom this coming Sunday.  And I know that I am incredibly blessed to have my mom here and that I am here to mother my children.

So this Mother's Day... I just want to appreciate being a mom.