A Mother Who Laughed
My mother hated mother’s day.
I don’t think she was aware of the origins of the day, she just saw it as a commercialized mess. Which it still is, but I also know it is a wonderful day to so many people, regardless of how florists and restaurants promote it. So while we don’t celebrate the day in our house like my mother refused to, I don’t hate it. Knowing the origins of the day also make me feel more kindly to it.
I lost my mother—known to others as Betty Anne Gawthrop, or Bets to some— 44 years ago. Like the photo above, she is blurry to me now. But also like the photo above, I feel her energy, her passions and her joy. I take those forward with me every day.
And she was responsible for giving me paper and pencil and laughing at my early drawings. Thank you, Mother.
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone.
I love the idea that your mother is blurry to you now, but her qualities are still with you. I have been trying to figure out how to think about the fact that I don't remember much about my mother's appearance, except in fleeting memories, mostly of things she wore, and you have given me a way to express my own experience. My mother died in 1981, when I was 27. I still miss so many things about her, especially her warmth, sense of humor and lovely hugs. Thank you.
Your mom would approve of your sentiments. Moms certainly have a huge impact on who we become and though my mother is long gone as well, I feel her impact was kindness, caring and listening to me. Mothers' Day was always a reminder to thank her for being the best.