A Day of Mothers

Around the end of April, I realized that Mother's Day was looming up pretty quick. Normally, I take that day for my own. I mean, come on, I've given birth three times and I think I deserve that day. Add in the fact that every four years my birthday falls on Mother's Day, and you got the perfect time to claim a weekend. Some times I go all out and claim the whole week.

This year was different. I had my Mama and my Grandma on my mind a lot. My Grandma is bedridden and she is far from being a spring chicken. My Mama hasn't had the best of health as she's battled strokes, diabetes, and high blood pressure. I thought and thought about it and decided it just wasn't about me this year. It had to be about my Mama and Grandma. These two women are so very important in my life....they're the ones who have shaped who I am (for better or worse!). I told my husband that I wanted a quick day trip to South Carolina to see them for my Mother's Day gift. Without hesitation, he agreed. Lord, I love that Man of Mine.

I awoke to find on my chair a new pink fuzzy tiara and cape. That Paige. Of course, I put that tiara on for the ride to South Carolina and pretty much wore it the rest of the day. We hit the road so as to make it by lunch time. I knew there was going to be some steak and gravy going on at Mama's and I wanted to make sure I got some!

We had the bestest visit. Mama was happily surprised to see us drive up. I do believe she might have had an inkling we were coming as Daddy told her to cook some extra. She laughed and told me if we hadn't shown up? She was going to be upset! We spent the entire afternoon on the front porch while the kids played. My son and nephew played and got dirty as can be. My city kid discovered that stickers in the grass can hurt some bare feet something fierce. He ended up having to change clothes before leaving, but that just means he had a wonderful time. Makenna discovered the bunny rabbits my brother had in a pen and she spent quite a bit of time holding one and begging for one of her own. (Uh....no.) Time flew by and we hated to leave, but I needed to see my Grandma some before we made the drive back to Georgia.

My Grandma lives with my Aunt and their front door has a ramp going into the house. I was walking up the ramp and I could see my Grandma in her hospital bed craning her head to look out (like a turtle!) Both she and my Aunt were so happy to see us and we visited with them for an hour or so. It's not good to stay too long as it tires Grandma out. The kids raided the freezer and scored some ice cream and I got to just sit and talk with the two of them. Time flew too quickly again and it was time for us to head it on home.

We were exhausted from driving around 5 hours in one day, but it was so worth it to spend the day with my Mama, my Sister-in-Law, and Grandma. Grandma has always told me: "We're not promised tomorrow." I believe that fully now so I want to make sure I have some amazing yesterdays with the ones I love.

I took a few pictures while we were there because I am the Camera Queen and I'm so afraid I'm going to miss a memory if I don't take a bunch of pictures.

This may be late, but thank you to all the women out there who love. I am a firm believer in that you don't have to give birth to be a mother. Mama's are all types and kinds and all are needed to help raise and love the children of this world. I claim many other women's children as my own and love them dearly..along with my precious three children.

A girl and her Nana.

The Boy brought his Kindergarten binder so he could show his Nana and Aunt all his work. He explained each page to them so they were sure to understand!

You enjoy holding that rabbit, girl. I'm not getting one. Ain't happening. Nope.

My lovely Sister-in-Law. She is tops in my book. She loves my parents so good and really looks out for them and I am so grateful for all she does.

The Mamas. Why, yes, I am wearing a fuzzy pink tiara. What a cool group of gals to hang out with.