Happy Mother’s Day to all of the women who have touched me life. We mother each other in so many ways, beyond giving birth. I’m grateful for the gifts you have given me. Above all, I’m grateful for the chance to have mothered the three children who call me Mom. This year, I can add Mima to that list, as my grandson is the newest light in my life. A chance to smell that sweet sleeping baby smell again… and watch a little boy grow.
Dear young mother at the park,
Today I watched you stand by the bay, holding your baby boy, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of you. I’m not a stalker; I’m an aging mother, and seeing you there, touched me. The sun was shining, the breeze making the waves kick up the water. Your little boy, a year and a half? Maybe two? Your boy slept with his chubby arms wrapped around your neck, his head nestled against your chest, his face in your neck. Oh my God, how my heart skipped a beat. His face looked like my little boys’, twenty-three years ago, eighteen years ago. I think it really did look like my boy–– but that happens more and more these days. It’s been a long time since a little boy held my neck and slept so contentedly.
You stood there for a long time, and I wondered…
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TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
They’re still wonderful at 23 or 18 or 17. Your toddler wouldn’t invite you to watch Twelve Night with him or beat you at chess or explain calculus in a mildly patronizing tone or edit your story and explain that you just don’t understand contemporary teenagers, Mom.. But then of course they leave home. I’m not looking forward to that.
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Oh Frances, true, true, true! I love the relationships I have with my three adult children–– all of whom have grown and flown, but… BUT, as I watched that mom, as I see any mom, who is still in that sweet place, I still miss it. Everything you say is true, but still… this. Thanks for sharing your thoughts; I appreciate it!
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I think these thoughts every damn day. And the wild thing is, my kids are still pretty young. But even now I feel it: tick tick tick tock. My oldest turns 10 this weekend. Double digits, it has begun.
Thanks for capturing it so beautifully and sharing it. xo
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Thanks dear heart. I often think of your wonderful babes. Mine seem so far from that place, and yet… in a blink, I am back there. In my empty house, walking in the park and seeing those young mothers I once was, making dinners for two, getting calls from my incredible young adults… I miss it so much, and love where I am as well. Oh how I crave a day on a beach with you. xo
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You wanted to eat a leg and I want to take a bite out of the tushies-when are we going to meet in person and have a cocktail together???? Happy Mother’s Day Dawn!! Xo
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Lisa! Welcome to Tales From the Motherland… I have been very quiet for these past many months, but this… THIS, is where I really live! Yes, we need to meet in person, and a cocktail is for certain. 😉 Happy Mother’s Day to you as well, darlin’! xo
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Beautiful Dawn, made me smile💕
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you so much! I have no idea who this is… sorry, but your feedback really does mean so much to me. Thanks for that!
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I don’t really miss the baby/toddler years. Though now when I see young mothers with kids, the moms are mostly on their phones and aren’t engaging with the children. I miss the high school days– we were so involved with all their activities and all the coming and going of friends. Alas, adult children bring other challenges but rewarding too. Lovely post, good job to you as a mother!
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Thanks Lisa. I totally get your points… it is a hard call, for sure. I so miss the days when they were little, and the opportunities that still existed. I miss the thing chances I blew, and the all the ways they made my life wonderful, even while challenging. That said, yes, I so loved when they were in hs and the whole world was filled with their daily comings and goings… And, I love my solitude now. Happy Mother’s Day dear blogging friend!
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Your candidness is humbling and inspiring. Happy Mother’s Day, Dawn!
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Thanks Jackie! Didn’t see your comment until now; sorry about that. I am constantly inspired by all of you wonderful folks, who make the time to read and comment. It is powerful medicine. xo
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