The following post was written originally on 10/23/13, but I was looking for some "mother's day" thoughts and this one popped up, and even though it wasn't written specifically for Mother's Day, I think it fits.
This same son is now 40, and currently is living at home, so I get to see him and tell him I love him every day now...which is something I don't take for granted anymore. After losing one of our precious sons to cancer three years ago, we never let a day go by without telling our sons (2 adult sons, both currently living at home, at least for now) that we love them...and we tell them to be careful when they go out the door to go to work, and we pray for their safety...and we always are relieved and thankful when they return home safely each night. Little things like this story written below are precious moments...again, not to be taken for granted.
So, at this Mother's Day time of year, I know many of you mothers are expecting something special from your children. But I say take a moment each day to say a prayer for your kids, no matter how old they are or how far away from home they may be...and let them know how much you appreciate all the little ways they demonstrate their love for you throughout the year, not just on this one day.
Original Post from 10/23/2013:
I was kind of missing my youngest son this afternoon. He's 36, and lives not too far away, but works a lot of nights and weekends, so he doesn't get home to visit much anymore. I actually called his cell phone on my way home from work today just to say hi and tell him I loved him and that I miss him and we'd love to have him drop by sometime or give us a call. Of course, it went directly to his voice mail because he was most likely at work. Since he's a cook at a busy restaurant I knew he couldn't answer his phone. But I just wanted to touch base with him and let him know I was thinking about him. He'll probably call back tomorrow when he wakes up.
Well, a few minutes ago I went into the kitchen to get a snack and then into the adjoining dining room to close the blinds for the night. As I shut the blinds I paused and looked at my special "Tea Time" Calendar that is on the wall
above the bookshelves where I keep my books about tea parties and a few tea pots, cups, cookbooks and other "girl stuff". I usually don't write on this particular calendar because it is kind of a keepsake, with beautiful photos and recipes, and stories about tea time.
This is a standard Christmas gift from my sister each year and she knows she'd better not forget to give it to me or I'll be asking if she forgot where she put it! (Our mother used to buy gifts for us ahead of time and then forget where she put them when it came time for Christmas).
Anyway, I happened to notice that something was written on the first day of the month, October 1st. I didn't recall writing anything there, and I was pretty sure my husband wouldn't write on this particular calendar either as it is a little out of the way of the telephone and the other spots where we usually write our appointments. So I looked a little closer, and realized that this was our son's handwriting...(and spelling)
"Scott changed your calendar w/love"...
I guess you know I cried. I missed him today, and here I discovered that on October 1st, he was here and wrote on my calendar such a precious message..."w/love".
I know I've seen him here at least once since October 1st, but this is the first time I've seen this note.
It's stuff like this that makes me love my kids more and more. Yeah, he's 36, but he's still my "baby". I guess I'll always be kind of mushy when it comes to my kids, no matter how old they are.
Postscript added later as I was replying to a comment from a friend: "Isn't it amazing the little things that bring joy to a mother's heart? Think how much more joy we bring to our heavenly Father when we say words of praise and love from our hearts to Him...I should've added that above, but it's still sinking in."
Now this calendar really is a "keepsake"! And my son? Well, he's a "keeper" too!
What kind of things make YOU want to cry tears of joy?
Oh this is so sweet and totally understandable. I get it, my friend. Love you1
ReplyDeleteSusie
I knew you'd understand, fellow mother of boys who come and go! Thank you. Love you too!!!
DeleteAwww,,,don't you just love it when our kids do things like your son did? Jesus knew you needed a lift in your spirit and He had it ready for you to see just when you needed to see it the most. He's blinded your eyes to that all month long until the time you REALLY needed to hear from your son. I love it when Jesus does things like that!
ReplyDeleteWhat kinds of things make me cry tears of joy? Our son (who is also 36) isn't the sentimental type. Last year I received the most beautiful birthday card ....sentimental as any card could be. I figured our daughter-in-law had picked it out, but when Matt and I talked later I asked him who picked out the card and he told me he did. I shed tears of joy when I read the card, but knowing he is the one who purchased the card brought on more tears of joy.
Have a wonderful day, Pam.
Isn't it amazing the little things that bring joy to a mother's heart? Think how much more joy we bring to our heavenly Father when we say words of praise and love from our hearts to Him...I should've added that above, but it's still sinking in. Thank you for sharing the same kind of love with your son. I'm so glad you stopped in for a visit today. Blessings to you.
DeleteOh how sweet Pamela! I have that same calender, but I do write on mine. I use it next to my computer on my desk to keep up with what and when I have to do things. After my granddaughter Morgan, has been here for a visit she leaves me little notes like "I love you,Grandma. Love Morgan" I keep them, I could never throw anything away my grands gives me especially sweet notes like that.Sometimes it takes awhile to find them but when I do it brings tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful day too.
I know you and I love our tea time calendars. I save mine from year to year. Sometimes they do get written on, but usually it is in my dining room away from the "official business" of the house, so I don't use it like I do the other calendars...I just enjoy it. Now I will enjoy this one even more. Love notes from our kids/grandkids are ALWAYS welcome...no matter where or when! :)
DeleteI love the little notes, too and I save all the ones the children write to me when they stay wth us. They are precious to me and o can understand your tears as you had had your son on your mind. That is what I call a God kiss.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little note for Scott to leave on your calendar. My sons do little things for me too. They aren't much for giving gifts on Mother's Day and the like but always surprise me with little things throughout the year. A lovely post today. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh my, this is a sweet post. Yes it is the little things that make life so wonderful. Our children never get too old to cherish. Happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet and precious. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeletecreationsbycindyphotography.blogspot.com
You may not see him as much as you want to, but these type things hold sweet memories forever and ever. You are blessed.
ReplyDeleteSweet!
ReplyDelete:)
I love these little things, like notes on a calendar. What a blessed Mom you are!
My 12 year old talks to me about things that matter to him, what he thinks, how he feels. I think that is pretty wonderful!
And my 10 year old is full of hugs!
It is, indeed, the little, thoughtful things our children do for us that make all the difference. A note like that would make me cry, too, Pamela!
ReplyDeleteHappy Mothers' Day!
Pam, While I'm not a mom, I can understand how the little things can be so heart warming.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day!
I love the Mother's Day and birthday cards our son picks out for me. One year, the card was especially beautiful because it was in some of my favorite colors. He says he's not very good at picking out cards but I think he does very well.
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