loracs | Mother's Day (Reply)

It's Mother's Day - that yearly Hallmark holiday meant to sell cards, flowers and candy. When my mother was alive, I always sent a card and/or flowers depending on our financial situation. It's been more than 10 years since she died and I can truthful say that every day is mother's day for me. I have at least one mom-memory every day. It's often small things. For example this morning, when I was getting out of the shower, I remembered how my mom taught us to dry ourselves off from head to toe while we were still in the bathtub, so we wouldn't track any water on the floor. We didn't have a bathroom rug or a bath mat. Of course, I gave this up many years ago and I use a bath mat now.

Every time I peel a potato, I remember my mom's expert use of a paring knife to take as little potato off with the skin. When I had to peel potatoes, half the flesh would end up in the pig's bucket. My mother would show me over and over again how to do it and I never got it. And carrots were even worst – one carrot became one carrot stick under my knife. When I finally discovered the peeler tool, I was so happy. And so was my mom, alas the pigs were less happy.

These memories come unbidden. She is a part of my everyday life, her words, her deeds, are linked so deep within me; I can not imagine what a day would feel like without them. I’ve never been a mother, never really wanted to be a mother, but on this commercial holiday, I take a moment to wish that part of me that is her, a very Happy Mother’s Day.