Saturday

The Making of a Mother

I tucked a wisp of hair behind my daughter's ear. I gazed at her freckled nose, her long lashes and the fire in her eyes. 

And I thanked God for making me her mother.

I wrapped my arms around my son's gangly frame, breathed in his little boy scent and returned his jab with my elbow.

And I thanked God for making me his mother.

I gathered up my boisterous toddler and held her for as long as she'd allow. I rejoiced at her request for Butterfly Kisses and peppered her chubby cheek.

And I thanked God for making me her mother.

Three times, I have been given a child to mother. And one I never knew, waits for me in Heaven. But when I hear the word Mother, I don't think of myself. 

I think of my own Mom who is still teaching me. I hear her words in my voice, her warnings in my tone, her love in my embrace.

And I thank God for giving me my mother.

To all the mothers and daughters-Happy Mother's day. May your shoes overflow with gladness.

34 comments:

DairyQueen said...

How very precious! I am so grateful to be a mom and have a great mom too :)

Lorie said...

Very well said. I love the way your daughter's high heeled shoes match her outfit. HA! ;-) Happy Mother's Day!

Hollie said...

Happy Mothers Day Kristen!

Mama Melissa said...

Oh, I LOVE that!!!!! Made me feel all warm and fuzzy.

Happy Mother's Day!!!
Big Hugs
Melissa

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a loving and precious post. I too am so grateful to be a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. They are all more blessings than I ever thought anyone could have. Your daughter in the high heels is just so precious, what wonderful memories. May God Bless you with the best MOTHERS DAY ever. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

Happy Mother's Day!

Kim said...

Happy Mother's Day! What a beautiful poem!

Kim said...

Happy Mother's Day! What a beautiful poem!

Joy@WDDCH said...

Awww, thank you!

I had a hard time tonight thinking about tomorrow. My mom died 4 years ago so I had a good cry. So thank you for this post- it means a lot!

StacieinAtlanta said...

That is beautifully written.

Happy Mother's Day!

Nascardad said...

K.C.,

You are a great mother. I know you sometimes, fret, cry, and even want to pull your hair out. You keep trying even when life is hard. You're not perfect, but that's what makes you beautiful.

I watch in awe as you nurture, care, and love on our three. I am blessed to have you as mother to our brood and wonderful wife.

Happy Mothers Day. I love you.

Nascardad

Muthering Heights said...

Happy Mother's Day!

Chasity said...

This is the most beautiful, touching Mother's Day post I have read. What a wonderful tribute of thanks to your mother. Happy Mother's Day!

ShEiLa said...

Happy Mothers Day to YOU.

Enjoy every moment...

ToOdLeS.ShEiLa

ShEiLa said...

the photo is darling...

it takes me back to when my two year old little girl wore her mommy's shoes at a wedding reception... and she thought she was a princess.

thank you!

ToOdLeS.ShEiLa

Peterson Party of 5 said...

Happy Mother's Day!
xoxo,
Doreen

Alice said...

you know, one day she is going to grow into those shoes, but for now you have some mighty big shoes to fill - because she is walking right behind you, walking in your footsteps, wanting to be just like mom :O). happy mother's day! i hope it's incredible - you deserve it :O)

jennschmerer said...

What a beautiful post! I'm having writing-talent-envy right now. I, too, think of my mother when I hear the word "mother." I heard an awesome quote the other day..."Raise your daughter to be a better mother than you were." I think every generation just keeps getting better and better!

Jennifer said...

Beautiful post. Happy Mother's Day to you, too!

AngelMc said...

Thank you for this precious post.

bridget {bake at 350} said...

Happy Mother's Day, Kristen! Great post!

Lady Pamela said...

Very beautifully said.
Happy Mother's Day

grannyann said...

Neat poem. Happy Moms Day

Unknown said...

Lovely post.

Happy Mothers Day!

We had ours here in March.

MOM said...

THANKS KRISTEN! I LOVE YOU AND ARE SO VERY PROUD OF YOU, THE WOMAN AND MOTHER YOU HAVE BECOME. WHAT A BLESSED PRIVILEGE TO BE A MOTHER. MOM

Unknown said...

Beautifully said. Happy Mother's Day to you!

Unknown said...

Happy Mother's Day!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Precision Quality Laser said...

Happy Mother's Day!

Niki Jolene said...

Oh for Pete's sake, I am crying all over my keyboard!

Kristen this post has spoken to my very heart and soul. Being a mother is so amazing. I've had a long and difficult journey to having a child and I am eternally grateful for the one I have. My angel babies are so very missed....

Jami said...

This was precious. Great job!

Kerry said...

Like you, three times I have been made a mother... and they all wait for me in heaven. We lost our triplets nearly seven weeks ago, making this Mother's Day a little difficult. Your post was beautiful, and I am so glad I stumbled upon it. Happy Mother's Day. :)

Amy Jo said...

This is such a sweet post, in the midst of your hilarious blog. Happy belated mother's day!

Amy said...

Maybe it's the wine talking (hey, I deserve it after today), but I'm crying after reading that. CRYING. Gosh. It's quarter to twelve. Must. Go. To. Bed.