Happy Mother's Day...!

What can we say about our Mothers?

Most of it has been said so many times by so many people. How many ways can we say "Thank You" that we haven't said before? Truth be told, there is just no way to ever thank them for all that they have done, and for all they continue to do.

Mothers are all special people. They never stop being mothers and doing what mothers do best...trying to guide and direct us in the right direction. When it seems as though everyone in the world has given up on us, our mothers are still there giving their support. They always seem to believe in us and encourage our dreams.

Over the years, mothers have struggled to teach us how to get along in the world, how to make the best of any situation. They care for us when we are sick, scold us when we need scolding, doctor us when we need a small bit of doctoring, and even warm the seat of our pants for us when we need that as well! All of these things they do just because they truly love us, even when we don't think they do!

A Mother's love is unconditional. No matter how badly we screw up, they still love us. When we break their heart with unkind words or unseemly actions, they still love us. They will go to the most extreme measures to protect us, sometimes from ourselves and our own actions! That's what Mothers do! They just love us!

I think that there comes a time in every one's life when we suddenly begin to see the influence that our mothers have had on us. There comes a time when, if we are very lucky, we suddenly realize that not only is that special person in our lives our Mother...but our friend!

What a blessed day it is, when we do realize that! To sit down and talk with our Mom as a friend, gleaming what wisdom and advice we can, whether it be to get a recipe, discuss a book, ask about a bit of family history...whatever the reason, it's special!

Even if our mother is no longer with us here, we can still enjoy the talks, the advice, the sharing, the unquestioning support! As long as the memories of our Mothers still live in our hearts, they are never really gone. They never really leave!

So today, instead of just saying "Happy Mother's Day", maybe we should try saying "Mom, I love you!" as well! Say it out loud, say it with feeling! She will hear it, even if she isn't here in person! You really can't say it enough or too often, you know.

Oh, just one more thing! If you are lucky enough to still have your Mother here, go up and give her a great big, heart felt hug! Many times a hug can speak volumes more than words alone, believe me!

Now, why don't we get a fresh cup of coffee and sit on the patio a while, my friend! It's good, just like Mom used to make!

Timely Thoughts For This Time Of Year...

A good friend of mine sent me this from New Zealand. I thought we should stop and consider this because of the time of year.

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the tree with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on the meaning of Christmas, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband or wife.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things!
Love never fails!

In the midst of all that's going on this time of the year, I thought this was important. Let's try and keep it in mind, OK?

Now, let's go get some fresh coffee...my friend!