The Best Thing About Mothers' Day

Things are so very different between this and last year for Mothers' Day.

Last year, I had just returned from Italy to find reminders of Mothers' Day everywhere here. I felt sad and angry. I felt left out, neglected. I felt as if I didn't count, and therefore, my angels didn't count. I bought myself a Mothers' Day gift. No one IRL said anything to me about Mothers' Day. I wanted some recognition last year, but the outside world didn't offer.

This year, I am a Mother in everyone's definition of the word. I have received cards from my husband and daughter, flowers and cards from my in-laws, and a gift from dh and Maura. We'll probably celebrate at breakfast or lunch tomorrow. Everyone is ready to celebrate with me this year.

So much has changed.

But, I realized something today. I was sitting on the floor in my daughter's new room, cutting tags off little dresses and things that people have sent, getting everything ready to be laundered. I sat there as Maura lay in her new crib, trying to fall asleep listening to her cd of lullabies from around the world. I looked at her, and I found her staring at me. She wasn't looking at the cool mobile or things hanging on the wall for her interest. She was watching me. And I cried.

The best thing about Mothers' Day is her. She's the best gift in my life. If nothing else happened this week, if I never received a card, I'd still be ready to celebrate. I'd still consider myself the luckiest woman alive, because my daughter is in my life.

Don't tell my dh, though--I still want him to spoil me!!