Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day holds fond memories in my heart.

One of the memories that brings a smile to my face is the visual of my brother sneaking off to a shopping area on his bicycle each Mother's Day. He would arrive back balancing baskets or trays filled with petunias.

I can feel the warm May sunshine as I reflect on my mother happily planting her new petunias in her window boxes. She definitely would not work outside in cool weather. But she also never liked to close the windows to her house, something that I believe I acquired from her. The love for fresh air, the openness. Thank you, mother, for your devotion, for being my best friend.

The other special lady in my life was my grandmother. She was something else. She spoke her mind. There was no shy bone in her body! And she still was not very quiet about her appreciation for getting kisses from the "nice young man (men)," even at 80-something years old. I loved her stories. And I also loved her sayings, such as, "You ornery wart!," with her Southeast Missouri draw. She inspired me with her gardening, canning, cooking and crafts (sewing). Grandma lives in my heart very strongly. Grandma was a good lady who left some wonderful memories. I hope she knows that.

I wish a Happy Mother's Day to you, and to your mothers as well!