Mother's Day - Then and Now

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is not the same now that my mother is gone. I still visit my mother, but now I go to her grave instead of her house.

Shopping has become easier, flowers to show how much I miss her rather than a gift purchased so I could cross it off my to do list.

The biggest change is in the emotions of the day. Dinner or brunch with the gang: siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews; Mom's favorite meal. There was laughter from giggles to guffaws. There was appreciation for gifts and a meal well prepared.

Now, there is silence and tears.

As I drive back to my life, I realize that my mother would be angry. She wanted people to smile, to laugh. So I remember that and a smile slips on to my face and happiness returns to my life.

Thanks, Mom.