Celebrating Sunshine, Flowers, and Mothers Everywhere

A glimpse of the surrounding hills in our communities is evidence of new life – wildflowers are popping out all over the place. Birds are chirping and nesting, spring lambs and calves are making their entrance, and gardens are growing, all reminders of new life that comes in the spring. It is fitting that the celebration of Mothers and Grandmothers comes in this wonderful month of May.

Mothers do a million things, and lovingly caring for the details of running a home and growing a family is only the beginning. There are wakeup calls, lunches to pack, clothes to wash, shopping to do, meals to prepare, homework to supervise, providing childcare, paying bills, driving taxi service, and many moms are also working outside the home. And there is never get a day off from being a mom.

It is with a thankful heart that I look back to my mother’s commitment to our family. As a child it seemed almost magical. There was always food in the fridge – a meal plan for dinner, time for family and friends, wonderful holiday celebrations, a reasonably clean house, and new shoes or clothes when needed. There was lots of encouragement, the sounds of my mother softly singing in the mornings alongside Paul Harvey chiming in on the radio with “The Rest of the Story”. I can also remember her laughingly saying, “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out of it!” We shaped up pretty quickly after that!

What I didn’t realize at the time was the work, prayer, and sacrifice my parents made to see that we felt loved and had a great start to our day. My dad was often off to work before we got up in the mornings, but he often contributed to our fun with raucous wrestling matches, a great deal of laughter, and his feigned outrage when we were jumping on the bed on Saturday mornings. I can appreciate all of these examples of loving and caring for children in a way that shapes their lives to love adventure and have the confidence to pursue their dreams. Now as a mother/grandmother, it seems that was in the blink of an eye my own children were grown up and on their own. Yet, the twinkle in the eye of every mother remains as they watch their offspring have families of their own.

This simple poem (Everything Mom) by Joanna Fuchs says it beautifully!

How did you find the energy Mom, to do all the things you did?
To be a teacher, nurse and counselor - To me, when I was a kid.
How did you do it all, Mom - Be a chauffeur, cook, and friend?
Yet find the time to be a playmate - I just can’t comprehend.
I see now it was love, Mom – That made you come whenever I’d call.
Your inexhaustible love, Mom – And I thank you for it all.

So how can we repay mothers for their faithfulness, selflessness, and encouragement? Celebration, inspiration, and joy are not just for the young! Make those loving moms or grandmothers a part of your lives! Make them smile! A smile is an outward reflection of an inner joy! Have you noticed that a smile is contagious? When you smile at someone, it is almost impossible for them not to smile back!

At Great Life Senior Care, you will always be welcomed with a smile. We share joy and practical solutions that changes the lives of our clients every day. We encourage you to put your love and appreciation into words or actions this Mother’s Day as you celebrate mom’s and grandmothers. You will likely be rewarded with a smile and another fond memory. If we can assist you with ideas or assistance in helping your loved ones stay in their homes, call Jason White at Great Life Senior Care at (951) 679-9592.

Celebrating Mothers Everywhere

Anita White

Contributor, Great Life Senior Care.