I faced a frightening health scare the week leading up to Mother’s Day, and the relief over what could-have-been made me appreciate the holiday celebration that much more. Both of our kids were home for Mother’s Day weekend. One flew in from Atlanta, and the other made the 5-hour drive from Duluth.
My husband, Bill, and I have been empty-nesters on and off since 2013 when both kids were in college. Our home has become a weekend getaway, and we no longer expect the kids to be home for a lengthy stay. My mothering expertise is mostly shared over the phone.
My nest if full on Mother’s Day
But when both birds flew back in the nest for Mother’s Day weekend, I quickly reverted to Mom-mode again.
- I baked chocolate chip cookies and made their favorite breakfast.
- I picked up their wet towels and their dirty dishes.
- I gave them some money for emergencies.
- I listened for their laughter.
- I asked about their love lives.
- I hugged them tightly.
Adding one more to the nest in 2019
On Saturday, I tried on a dress named in my honor, a Mother of the Bride dress for our daughter’s May 2019 wedding. By next Mother’s Day, I will become Mom to a new son-in-law. That’s the great thing about a mother’s love, it expands and evolves with time. I know I will have plenty of love to give the newest member of our family.
The love I held for our newborn babies has intensified over time, as we shared our lives and our home. Those babies are all grown up now, and the love I feel for them is stronger than ever.
Of all the roles I’ve had in my life, Mom is the most special. I’m so thankful I had good news from my doctor so I could truly enjoy a happy Mother’s Day.
Happy belated Mother’s Day to all moms!
Author: Joan Koehne
Once a mild-mannered reporter and editor, Joan Koehne has taken on the persona of her alter ego, Wonder Writer, saving the world one word at a time. In 2017 she went up, up and away to launch a writing services business, Writer to the Rescue, a division of Packerland Websites. A 2017 college graduate, Joan earned highest honors and the Marketing Student of the Year award.
