A Day for All Mothers

Sunday - May 9, 2010

Today was Mother's day. It is a day in which we "officially" tell our mothers how much we love them and how much they are appreciated! I don't know about you, but I do that daily. Mom just spent her 62nd year as a mother. Her three living children spent time with her today. She loves it when we are all there. It was a good visit, but we missed John and Dad. Even though John was not there today, Mom was so pleased to have received a beautiful vase of flowers from Laurie, the grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mother's Day is a happy day for many while others are sad. Why? Many have lost their mothers, while others have lost a child. There are many out there who are sad because they have not become a mother.

Many of us who have not given birth to a child feels a void. Society has basically said that a woman who has carried a baby for nine months and given birth is to be called "mother." We all know there are many (way too many) women who have given birth to a child, but can not be considered a "good" mother. There are also women who would love to have a baby, but due to conditions out of their control are not able to have a child of their own. In these instances, many women will adopt a child, others may marry and have step-children, while others just give their love to the extended family and their children.

I have always loved kids!!! This was one of the reasons I became a teacher! When my nephews and nieces were born, oh my, the love I had for them was unbelievable. I could never imagine being able to love anyone any more than I did those sweet babies. I loved them as their parents did/do. I worried about them as babies, and I still worry about them as adults.

My three nieces and four nephews whom I love more than words will ever tell.

Meghan, Dawn, Lindsay, JD, Billy, Todd, and Bobby

January, 22 1989

I have been a step-mother for almost 22 years. I love David as if he were my own. I have never tried to take the place of his mother, but I have loved him as much as a mother could love their child. The first Mother's Day of being a step-mother brings back great memories. David was with us for the Saturday before Mother's Day. He and Bill went shopping. David picked out a beautiful hanging basket for his mother, and then he decided he should buy me something too. He picked out an eight pack of marigolds for me. They were good healthy plants. I was tickled with them. I waited until David came out the next weekend, and he helped me plant them at the foot of the hill in a small flower garden. He had a great time helping me. What was really wonderful was how excited he got when they started to grow and grow! He was so pleased at how "our" flowers were growing. I got as much joy from that as I did the flowers! He has always remembered me on Mother's Day and for that I am so thankful. It has helped fill the void I have in not having a child of my own.


David did not give me my "first Mother's Day gift. It actually came from my nephew Billy. I always stayed home and cooked for the mothers in our family - Mom and my sister-in-laws who were close! This particular weekend, Dad and Dink took Mom, Rhonda, and the boys to a big flea market. The were browsing around and Billy spotted a couple of bells. At the time I was collecting bells of all kinds. He decided that they would be a great Mother's Day gift for Aunt Sue. He has always had a tender heart and was at the age he understood that I had no children that made me a mother. These bells have always held a special place in my heart and always will. They are dressed as Carolers and would normally be exhibited during the Christmas season. Not for me, they are out every day of the year in our study on the book shelf. They remind me of a ten year old boy who thought about his childless aunt!

My first Mother's Day Gift!

Billy and Aunt Sue

Today I have the pleasure and honor of being called "Mammaw!" There is now another baby who has won my heart! I love this baby girl with all I have. Cora Ann Hardin is my "grand-baby" whom I will love and worry about just as much as I have her daddy!!!

Mammaw Sue and Cora Ann

I hope and pray that all had a wonderful Mother's Day and know that they are loved! Remember the lonely widow, the childless woman, the caring aunt, the hopeful wife, and the ladies who cares for a child - let them know they are appreciated and loved! It will help fill that void!