Experiencing my first Mother’s Day without my mom, and being with my daughter on her first, is something new.
Because I am so thrilled my daughter is a mom now, I wanted to be with her on her first Mother’s Day, at their home in Florida.
And, for the first time in my life, my mom is not here on earth anymore. Lots of different emotions for me.
As you read this, it is actually Mother’s Day.
How are you celebrating it? Or are you?
I knew Abby would be a great mom, for many years. You see, my kids had adults around them growing up, that paid lots of attention to them.
And that is just what both of my kids did when they were with children younger than they were. Kindness and patience were two things Adam and Abby both had when they were around kids.
Abby’s dream finally came true last September 28, 2021. After a tough pregnancy and then an emergency C-section, she was a momma.
As I wrote about, I was there before and throughout the entire labor and delivery and for a couple weeks afterward.
Therefore, I have a close bond with my 7 month old granddaughter, Elianah. Abby makes sure she knows my voice, by Facetiming most days.
To be there with them for her first Mother’s Day, was a given as far as I’m concerned.
When Mom passed away rather quickly on August 16, 2021, it was just 6 weeks before Elianah was born. It really hurt Abby’s heart to not be able to fly to say goodbye to her beloved grandama. Our family is close, as I’ve talked about in many of my articles.
I did put the phone on speaker for both of my kids to say good-bye to Mom.
Adam did fly in for the funeral, only Abby couldn’t fly due to her pregnancy. We will have a memorial to honor Mom on the first anniversary of her passing this summer. Abby, James and Elianah will be there with me and Hale.
I’m writing this early, so I have no idea how it will feel for my first time without Mom here in physical form on Mother’s Day. I must say, I feel her with me so much of the time.
Grief is an odd thing. It sneaks up on you.
Mom filled our lives with song. She played the piano and organ and always sang in the choir at our church, since she was a teen-ager.
I have carried my love of song on to my kids and grandchildren. I hear my son singing to his daughter and son and Abby to Elianah.
It warms my heart!
You see, our whole big family carry Mom in their hearts. She is never far away. Family traditions are important.
On this Mother’s Day, we honor all mothers and grandmothers who have made a difference in our lives.
Some mother’s are our biological mothers and some elected to become mother’s adopting their children carefully.
Others are surrogate mothers and grandmothers, becoming that extra mother or grandmother to us. And some lost their children.
No matter how we come by the title, there is no other feeling in the world I have experienced as being a mom and a grandma.
Some I know didn’t have mothers that were present or positive role models. I count my blessings each day, Mom, that I had you for my mother.
I’m eternally grateful to you and Dad for my life and the many wonderful things you taught me.
I’m sending all of you love and blessings,
Connie
PS. The interesting history of Mother’s Day is here on this site:
The photos below are of my gorgeous Mom at 16, her holding me as a newborn with my older sister, Kathie. In 1981 of mom and dad and Thanksgiving, 2019, the last time my kids were together with my parents and me.
Leave a Reply