Mother's Day
Mothers Day can be loaded for those of us without moms. On this day every year I am extra aware of not having had a mom for a really long time.
She was 48, and I was 23 when she died. She was 26 when I was born. I’ve had 36 mother’s days without her. For 29 of these years I’ve been a mother myself.
I created this art for the cover of a book I made for my niece called Sweet Memories. It was filled with stories of moms baking. She was pregnant with me in this photo.
I looked at my 23 year old son recently and had an epiphany, saying, “I was exactly your age, when my mom died. Can you imagine?” (wow, way to be a downer)
He responded with a hug, and said, “I’d be lost without you mom.” My choice to be vegan, to exercise, really, to do everything I can to be healthy is in part simply so my kids get to have (healthy) me around for as long as possible.
My kids are amazing human beings. These paintings were done on a recent family vacation.
I see my friends beginning to lose parents who are in their 80’s and 90’s. I know it’s still hard and very sad - and I think to myself - wow you had her for 40 more years than I had mine. Lucky you!
My sister, daughter, and a few girlfriends do a great job of being excited about the stuff I imagine only a mom could be enthusiastic about. Like the photo of my newly cleaned alphabetized spice drawer.
My memories tied to mom are extra strong around scent. I remember the time a few years ago when I was in my car, stopped behind a yellow school bus and while looking at the back of the bus I actually smelled the inside of my grade school lunchbox. That smell of a tuna fish sandwich, Frito corn ships and cookies ( probably Chips Ahoy) was so strong it was like it was sitting there - open in the passenger seat! She made my lunch for way more years that she probably should have - but I loved it.
Gardenias, Shalimar perfume and brownies baking take me right to her.
I know anything rose scented will take my kids right to me.
When your mom dies young you get to kinda turn her into a saint. Of course she would have been the BEST grandma, the super helpful, generous, loving, supportive mom.
When I was in second grade I was a frog in a school play. I had to hop across a pond that was made of paper. I slipped and fell and was so mortified I fled crying from the room. Mom came outside after me, and I honestly cannot remember what she did. I’d like to think we just bailed on the stupid play and she took me out for ice cream. Yeah. That’s what happened. She took me to Baskin and Robbins for a Jamaica Almond Fudge cone.
Double dip.
