Mother's Day

As Mother's Day approached this year, I spent time searching the internet for a gift for my mother. I put a great deal of thought into her gifts each year.

She is 86 years old and lives in a retirement community. She doesn't need any things. In fact, she could use less stuff. (I believe her need for stuff comes from a combination of a depression-era mentality and the fact that as a child, her family did not have a great deal.)

She has numerous health issues, including diabetes. So candy and chocolate covered fruit are out. I do not think she would eat a "bouquet" of plain, edible fruit.

On my drive to work on the week before Mother's Day, I heard the last part of a story on the radio. It was the story of a man who while at the florist ordering flowers for his mother, met a little girl buying flowers for her mom. When the man asked if he could take the girl to her mom, she agreed. She directed him to the cemetery. Immediately the man cancelled his order and bought and delivered flowers in person to his mom.

After a brief prayer, I decided we would drive the 450 miles round trip to see my Mom on Sunday. I decided against leaving Saturday evening, since my youngest son had a karate promotion ceremony late Saturday afternoon and I had a ton of yard work to finish before the coming rain. The fact that my father passed away just a few weeks after Father's Day in 2005, probably influenced my decision as well. I often have thoughts when visiting someone I love, if this will be the last time I see that person alive. I do not like saying goodbye.

It was a bit hard on my boys to sit in the car for the 3 1/2 hours down and the 4 hours back. It doesn't help that my youngest has broken the DVD player in the car (by kicking it). But they were troopers and we had a nice visit with Mom. Every time, I get to hug her neck, it is a good day. She thought I was a bit loopy for driving down and back in a day.

I believe being present and doing things for the ones you love is the best gift. Material gifts are worthless. I would much rather have action , time, or a handmade something than a bouquet any day!

breakfast:
cereal
coffee

currently reading:
little house on the prairie
no other gods
isaiah

today grateful for:
God and His faithfulness (Recently a friend posted on Facebook, that God is good after she passed her exams--I argue God is good when we fail too. He is always good.He is God.)
my Mother
my boys
a working automobile
gas money
our health
my job/mission field