Out of all of the gifts for which I am most grateful, being blessed with a kind, caring, and generous mother stands out among the best. This single good-fortune has helped prepare me for so much that followed.
I grew up with the confidence that comes from having a central person in your life always believe in you, always be there for you, and tirelessly support your dreams—even when they seem to be impossible. Countless times my mother has eased my mind from what, at the time, felt insurmountable. Consistently, she has modeled determination, courage, and gumption. She has taught me not to confine myself to anyone else’s mold or expectations for me.
Also an incredible grandmother, a successful business woman (now retired), an awesome cook, and an eloquent dancer (to highlight just a few of her talents), my mother has instilled in me the belief that you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to do. And, as the attached recent photos reveal, she is also gorgeous (sorry to embarrass you here, Mom)!
How can you adequately thank someone who has endlessly shown you infinite love and unconditional grace? Although I am not sure that this can ever be fully achieved—I vow to give it my best try!
Geek alert: According to recent surveys, more phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than on any other day of the year —37% more in fact! Other surveys have shown that Mother’s Day has the third highest attendance at Church, coming only behind Christmas and Easter (ironically Father’s Day does not have this effect on Church attendance – and even ranks behind attendance for Homecoming Day).
The North American version of Mother’s Day was initiated by Anna Jarvis, in 1908, as a time to honor the sacrifices that our mothers have made for us (source). (source). Ironically, Anna, who was never a mother herself, became disillusioned by the commercialism that resulted–something that she had never envisioned or intended.
Being a lover of holidays and special occasions, I am grateful that today has been set aside to reflect on all that our mothers have done for us, and to thank them in our individual ways. As for me, I will start with this blog (my mom is kindly a devoted reader)! And to Anna’s chagrin, today will also include cards, and presents (as well as phone calls and Mass). But mostly, for me, today is a day of reflection and the deepest possible gratitude for all that my mother has done. I will be eternally grateful for being born and raised by such an incredible woman.
Retirement Reflections 
😍
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Very sweet tribute to your lovely mother. I know that you know how lucky you are to have her in your life. I miss my mother every day. Enjoy celebrating her today!
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Donna – What a beautiful tribute to your mom. Like, Janis, I miss my mom more than you can imagine. Enjoy your mom every single day! The things she has taught you will live in your mind and heart forever! ~ Lynn
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Wise words, Lynn! I am very grateful for the time that I have with my mom.
Donna
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Beautifully written, as always.
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I wrote a post about my mum for Mothers Day too – it’s lovely that we still have them in our lives when so many Midlifers are mourning the loss of their Mums. I’m glad you had a lovely mothers day together.
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Hi, Leanne – You are so right. I am incredibly grateful to have my mom. I am especially grateful watching her be her active and energetic self. We had a wonderful Mother’s Day Week together. I am glad to hear that you also have your Mom. I am off to read your post now.
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This is such a nice tribute to your mother! I’m sure she treasures every word. Thank you for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I’m sharing your post on social media.
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Hi, Mimi – Thank you for commenting and thank you for sharing. I am enjoying getting to know you through Blogging Grandmothers.
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What a sweet post. You’re so very lucky to have been blessed with such a loving mom. Thank you Donna for linking up and co-hosting at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared this post.
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Thanks, Dee. I totally agree that I’ve been blessed with having the Mom that I have. Thank you for the opportunity to share my posts on this link-up. I LOVE it!
#BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty#15
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Your mother sounds wonderful! What a blessing!! I don’t even want to begin to imagine what my life would be like if I hadn’t had my sweet mom!
Thank you for linking up at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty!
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Thanks, Lori. My mom is pretty terrific (if I do say so myself)! Like you are with your mom, I am incredibly grateful! 😀
#BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty#15
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Such a sweet tribute to your mom. Thank you for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared this post.
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Thanks Clearissa – I greatly appreciate you commenting, and sharing!
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What a lovely tribute to your mother. I too have been blessed with a loving, strong, supportive mother. She never ceases to amaze me. #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty
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Isn’t it amazing to be blessed with such a wonderful mom?!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Christie. I greatly appreciate it.
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I miss my Mum Donna! She passed away 30 years ago but each year my daughter and I run in the Mother’s Day Classic in memory of her. You are lucky to still have your Mum and to be able to tell her how you feel about her. Thanks for linking up and sharing with us at Blogging Grandmothers Link party.
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Hi, Sue – I understand that loss. My father died 40 years ago and I still miss him deeply. I am so grateful for having all of this time with my mom. She truly is amazing!
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