Today is the day to honor our mothers and for me, I like to honor not only my Mom, but all women because nurturing comes in many capacities.
I began my day as usual, finishing the week's bills and billing for my business, while listening to my jazz station. It was soon time to go to my exercise class. I've recently decided to do more cross-training since my strength is slowly coming back (from the dead it feels like!). I was brought back to reminiscing about the days when Mom and I would go to the House of Health in Lynnfield for our exercise, sauna and steam. We would head out for a healthy dinner afterwards. She always loved joining in on activities that I was involved in. My mom had struggled with her weight for her entire life, but was eager to go to the exercise groups or be a part of weight management classes that I taught. She became one of my "groupies".
A few hours later,it was time to get ready for the 5pm mass back at my old church, St John's. Our "rock band", as Fr Tom used to call us (and he loved our group) was playing at this mass in preparation for Tuesday's Confirmation. This, too, had become a tradition for many years. I usually cantored the 5:00 mass on Mother's Day and we would go for dinner following mass.
As I dressed for mass, I put on a beautiful turquoise blue pin and earrings that Mom had picked out for me years ago. She always gave me such fashionable jewelry and scarves and even today, I received compliments on my set. She had an eye for fashion and as children, Lindsay and Ashley preferred Grammy to pick out clothing and accessories.
Mass was beautiful and the music so appropriate. In fact, Mom's all-time favorite song was chosen for the Offertory, Here I Am Lord. Instead of feeling sad and emotional, I beamed with happiness and felt her loving presence while we sang. My Dad has continued to support us, loving to come to St John's when I sing there and it was comforting to have him there with Lindsay. Ash texted me a bunch of flowers as she completes her last trip in Spain while studying abroad in Amsterdam. Time is getting close for her arrival home - and we are so excited!
As I continued to think about Mother's Day, I remembered my wonderful mother-in-law, Mamon, as I called her. She was a loving woman with so much wisdom and while she spoke Polish more fluently than English, we had a nice bond.
Throughout the day, I thought of my beautiful daughters, Lindsay and Ashley, and how they have grown into caring and loving adults, each embarking on exciting futures of their own. I feel blessed and send love and thanks to the many women in my life who have provided support, caring and love to me and my family.
Lovingly,
Julie
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