today their was a knock at my door...only to find a ups man with a box in hand, wishing me a great day. the box has my name on it with a directive under my name: do not open until mother's day. this box is from my mom and dad. my mom sends me wonderful, beautiful, personal, useful, thoughtful gifts. she listens to what i say and then responds with a lovely card or gift. i love knowing that she is thinking of me.
i cannot say enough about the generous spirit my mother possesses. she gives and gives and gives. she gives when she arrives. she gives when she leaves. she gives when she is away. she gives when she is near.
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supportive
no matter what life change i have had or what crazy event i have participated in, my mom supports me 100%. a few years ago i was honored to spend a summer as an intern at the mayo clinic in rochester, minnesota. while the experience challenged me in ways i cannot express, i also experienced a great loneliness that i have never felt before. my husband and family were so far from me and i wanted to share my experience with them so badly! well...my dear husband and mom flew in for a long weekend and we had a fantastic time touring through beautiful minnesota. these are memories that will never go away! this is but one little example of her support and love for me.
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adventurous
plan a trip and my mom is on board...she loves to travel and will even go places that she never dreamed of going. sometimes she really surprises me! mom has been on many cruises, which seems to be her favorite type of travel.
my mom loves to boat and has a strong desire to be near the water as much as possible. she loves anything nautical...walk in to her home and it is full of nautical treasures (even her christmas tree is adorned with lighthouses, boats, beach gear, etc.!). we have now lived in the tri-cities for EIGHT years and my mom makes sure that she brings her boat up here at least once a summer. when i say "her" boat, i mean "her" boat! even the grandchildren refer to "grandma's boat!"
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handy
my mom is not afraid to do (almost) anything! she has a tool box that she utilizes regularly and is not afraid of manual labor one little bit. she can pack like no other and has an infatuation with rope and bungy cords! mom works in the yard and does real yard work! why hire someone when you can do it yourself?
my mom has always worked out of the home. she is committed to her career and makes the best out of every situation.
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crafty
now that my sister and i have moved out of the house, my dear mother has a great scrapbook/craft room where incredibly artistic items are produced. mom has created scrapbooks of her travels and family events, as well as books full of her grandchildren! my mom has always loved to draw and her penmanship is beyond perfect. she is a perfectionist in every way.
for the last 3 years, ella (and now sophia) has received a perfect little scrapbook for her birthdays, complete with photos and artistic touches...these will always be treasured!
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lucky
i use this adjective because my mom seems to have a way of winning things. little things. big things. her most recent win: a mercedes. yes, it is the cutest sports car i have ever driven and i am pretty sure that my mom is loving her win! i hope that i do not jinx you by writing this little paragraph mom!
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loving
my mom loves her family. she especially LOVES her grandchildren. in fact, i am pretty sure that she does things for them that she would never do for us (just like a grandma is suppose to do!). mom has seven siblings and despite their differences, she loves them and accepts them for who they are. i have learned so much about unconditional love from my mom. my mom is loved by so many family members and friends...i don't think she knows how much she is respected and cherished. but she is!
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beautiful
oh, how i love this quality: my mom has a natural beauty that i admire in so many ways! at this time she has never colored her hair to rid it of the gray that is streaking through her hair. mom has hair color that many women pay big bucks for! she wears make-up, but not much. she would never consider any "work" or artificial means of existence. her skin is a permanent tan from the natural sun (it's all that boating and vacationing!). my mom loves to laugh and enjoys having a good time with those around her. she is optimistic and avoids conflict...great positive qualities that make her so attractive.
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Dear Mom,
I love our phone calls and time together. It is never enough! Every day I wish that I could see you and share my everyday-life-events with you. Distance is difficult, but I know that it is strengthening our relationship and helping us treasure the days that we can spend with one another. I love that my husband loves you...he enjoys time with you and we can laugh and share many memories of you often! I love that my children cherish you...they know who you are and always look forward to our next trip or get-together. I love that we often think alike...and can say whatever is on our minds. I love that we laugh and cry and express emotion. I love that we know so much about the other. I love that we share similar spiritual beliefs and that we believe in eternity.
On this Mother's Day and every day I want you to know how much I love you. Your support and encouragement has gifted me with enthusiasm, confidence, and endurance. You are in my heart always. Enjoy this weekend and some time for YOU.
Love to you!
