Flowers for Mom

My mother is one of the strongest, kindest hearted, most thoughtful women I know. Her family is her proudest achievement, and she never misses a chance to tell us or show us. In a family of comedians, she is the wisdom.

She has always said, “Don’t bring flowers to my grave, give me flowers while I am alive so I can enjoy them.” This is a poignant statement because she was not just talking about flowers. She meant “Share your life with me now because our time will run out.” She is cute AND smart this one. Whenever I go home, I bring her flowers.
My mom was adopted in 1948 by two people who were not meant to be nor ever should have been parents. There are happy stories of adoption, but mom’s is not one of them, and I will leave it at that. When both of her adoptive parents were gone, mom began to search for answers about her past. She learned her mother had died at the age of 40 from cancer and that she had two little (middle aged), brothers. However, her father was still alive, and they developed and carried on a loving relationship until he passed away in 2007. She knew that she was loved and wanted, and a small piece of what had been missing was found.

This past month while visiting extended family in California, my mom was able for the first time to visit her mother’s grave…moreover, she brought her flowers. After 68 years, my mom had a chance to meet her mom. Now more than ever her words make sense…it’s not all about the family bringing flowers, but the flowers bringing family.
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Happy Mother’s Day mom – I love you more than I will ever be able to express.