My New Happy: Mother's Day Wishes

Friday, May 6, 2016

Mother's Day Wishes


A long, long time ago & very far away, there lived a young, kind, beautiful California girl. She grew up, went to college, got married, and before long had a daughter of her own.  A mother was born.

The years went by and she added a boy and another girl to her growing family. There was joy and heartbreak, good times and hard work.  The regular stuff that makes a life.  A move across country, far away from home, and then back again.  New friends, new jobs, new houses.  Her children grew, got married, and had little ones of their own.  Retirement arrived with a chance to relax and enjoy, to take a step back and rediscover the California girl.

Through it all, and above all else, she was a mother.  She loved her children with all her heart, and no job could be as important.  No matter how old they grew, they would always be her babies, and she worried and fretted over them constantly.  She was still the caretaker.


And then suddenly everything changed.  One wrong step, and she was on the ground with a broken arm and ribs, unable to move.  Six months and two surgeries later, her arm was mostly healed.  But the universe had more in store for her.  Her husband died unexpectedly, her house had to be sold, and the new life she was building in retirement came crashing down.  

Now our roles were reversed, and she needed me to take care of her.

At first I grumbled and complained.  There was so much going on in my life.  I didn't have time.  It was too inconvenient. 

But luckily, I learned how to be a mother from one of the best.  And before long, the nurturing side took over.  I wanted to be there for her.  I wanted her to gather strength from me.

So much has changed.  All of our lives have been turned upside down, but no one has suffered more than my mother.  She's lost her husband of fifty years, she's currently homeless, and she's not sure what to do next.  But no matter what, she has me.

Because above all else, I'm her daughter.  I love her with all my heart, and helping her through this time is a very important job.  No matter how old she grows, she will always be my mom, and I will worry and fret over her.  

On this Mother's Day, I have so many wishes for my mom.  I want her to feel fulfilled, to be healthy and strong, to find something she enjoys doing, and to have fun.

But mostly, I want her to know that the day she gave birth to me, a long, long time ago, and very far away, she became my mother, my caretaker, and my friend.  And now it's my privilege to return the favor.


Today I'm linking up again with the lovely writers at Finish The Sentence Friday. This week's prompt was "A long, long time ago, and very far away".  Head over to read some great posts from this talented group of writers.

53 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tribute to your Mom! Happy Mother's Day and have a wonderful weekend!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  2. You, my dear, are an angel!! This post recognized what I already know, you are the true meaning of gracious and beautiful inside and out! I treasure your mama for bringing such an amazing girl into this world! Lana, you make the world a better place!! Happiest of Mother's Day to you friend!!

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    1. That is the nicest compliment Andrea, thank you. I hope you have a wonderful Mother's day too!

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  3. So beautiful. This is why you need to write. Love ya.

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  4. What a lovely and well-written story! Your mom is lucky to have you!

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    1. Aw, thanks. Not sure she thinks so all the time...

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  5. What a touching post... I really enjoyed reading it. How cool is your mom's dress in that first photo! Love it :-)

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    1. I know, isn't it lovely? She had the best clothes.

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  6. An amazing tribute to your mama who has definitely known hardship. I love how, together, you are a force of resilience and hope.

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  7. What a wonderful post. Made me tear up.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  8. What a lovely tribute for your mom this Mother's Day. I'm glad she has you. That you have her. Beautiful beautiful words and thoughts. So glad that you linked up with Finish the Sentence.

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    1. Thanks Kristi. So happy to link up with you all today - so many great posts!

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  9. It's a beautiful privilege to return the favor. For so long, my mom and I were both in the sandwich generation, as I have kids and my grandmother was still alive. My mom could simultaneously improve the lives of her mom, her daughters, and her grandkids. All at once.
    Your mother is beautiful!

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    1. Thank you Tamara. It's so weird when you're sandwiched in between!

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  10. What a beautiful post and tribute, Lana! It's true that mothers don't stop being mothers, just as we never stop being their children. Sometimes the roles do get reversed but still, the love and how we depend on each other remain. I loved how you said you had a great teacher, teaching you how to be a 'mother', a generous caregiver. xoxo Happy Mother's Day to you and your Mom!

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    1. Thank you Joy! Happy Mother's day to you too!

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  11. Aww Lana what a beautiful post you wrote! Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day!

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  12. Happy Mothers day to you Lana and to your mom... She sounds like such a sweet and kind lady... I hope things get easier for her... it is so wonderful that you are able to be there for your mother.. beautiful xox

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    1. Thanks Launna. Things are getting better, slowly.

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  13. Oh, what a beautiful post and tribute to your mom. I hope she finds her way and can begin enjoying these golden years. Happy Mother's Day to you!

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  14. Such a beautiful post!

    Wishing you and your mom a Happy Mother's Day!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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  15. This is such a sweet post! Happy Mother's Day to you and your mom!

    Brooke
    Pumps & Push-Ups

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  16. This is such a beautiful post! I'm so sorry about everything your mom had to go through, she's an extremely strong person and she's very lucky to have such a wonderful daughter! Hope you have an amazing Mother's Day together!!

    xo, Esther

    http://bubblesther.com

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  17. This is such a sweet and touching post. Your mother is lucky to have a daughter like you to help her through the tough years.

    Erica
    http://pumpsandpushups.com/the-busy-moms-guide-to-being-present-in-the-moment/

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  18. Such a special tribute to your mom, Lana. I'm hopeful your mom soon gets back on her feet, and this next year will be a better one for both of you. Happy Mother's day to each of you!

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    1. Thanks Susan. Only good things to look forward to this year!

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  19. What a lovely post for your mom. What a showing of beauty and love from a daughter to a mother.

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  20. That was beautiful Lana. I'm sure you have all been through hell and they way you have always managed to put her first is just one of the many things that I love about you dear friend!

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    1. That's a great compliment coming from you - I've learned a lot about caregiving from you!

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  21. Sweetness in how you are loving your mother so well, friend!

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  22. WOW!Beautiful story. And the happy ending is right around the corner. Hopefully, your mama can volunteer or take up a hobby that maybe she put on hold years ago to begin her motherhood journey. If she samples different things, she will find her niche. Assistance League? Volunteering at a library or school? Taking a painting class? Hobby Lobby is great for that. But I am sure just knowing you are in her corner to support her, hold her up until she can find herself again, is a huge blessing.

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    1. Thanks Leslie. Those are all great suggestions. As soon as we get her settled into a house, I'm hoping she'll find some fun things to keep her busy.

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  23. This was a beautiful post! Very sweet and a positive feel to it too.

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