I hope people had a lovely Mother’s Day yesterday but mostly that those who  may have found it overwhelming that they took care of themselves. It was nice and sunny Saturday here but Sunday was grey and sometimes that can influence our moods. 

You know how we (humans) seem to focus on the “not so happy” feelings sometimes and not the joys we do have? Well, I woke up with the latter Sunday morning. For days I have been missing my mom…a lot. I know it may seem silly because if she were alive she would be 97 and I was so lucky to have her in my life as long as I did, but still…she’s my mom!  So I guess my mood was grey like the clouds and had a good cry.  It`s amazing how cathertic that can be…it actually gave room for positive feelings.

I was plannning my day in my mind…feed the bff’s (best feline friends), have a cup of java, exercise toes and feet (I’ve been working on my mobility these days with sore feet) and I was planning later to take the bus to the florist 5 stops from here, get a nice bouquet for my mom, then walk to a different bus stop to go to the cemetery. I was actually surprised to see that this florist was so close to my place. I could walk on normal days but the feet need TLC these days.

After putting in my toe separators for a 10mins exercise, my phone rings. I can see it is my son and when I answer I hear Lara my 3.5 yr old grand-daughter…”NANA!!!!” Hmm, I guess it is not a phone call but a video call again…after fidgetting clumsily with my phone I see that adorable face and Shirley Temple curls smiling at me, asking me in French “As-tu fait un beau dodo, Nana?” [did you have a nice sleep?]

They wished me “Bonne Fête des Mamans!” and asked me what my plans were. I mentioned just going to the florist to pick up flowers for Nanny and they asked to come with me. Well, that sure tickled my spirits!

They arrived with a lovely surpsise… a huge hanging basket of flowers and plants for my balcony.

We went to the florist and then to the cemetery which was crowded..always is on Mother’s Day…I must go back alone on my mom’s birithday in June so we can have a nice quiet conversation…

It was cute to see Lara…I told her it was a park for older folks, not a play park but it was very pretty and peaceful. It really is a nice place…there is nice pond with flowers and shrubs and benches around the pond. I especially love the weeping willows. I have written a few poems sitting there and even made some greeting cards from the photos (without saying where the beautiful image is from…some people cringe at the word ‘cemetery’).

We explained to Lara to not walk on the plaques on the ground with words on it, so she would ask me to read some of them all the way to my mom’s spot.

three generations
honouring their matriarch
Mother`s Day field-trip

I remember my kids telling me when they would stay at my mom’s for a few days, she would have a picnic at the cemetery where several departed family members were resting. I only heard about this when I saw some photos from my mom’s album when she passed.

Mom had a way of visiting her dad and siblings and later her mom and made it a fun day…a visit rather than a sad day. I like that. At the time I did not see it as positive but a bit gruesome. I get it now especially seeing Lara’s smiling face. Yes, I think if she spends time here I may take the bus with her to go there…taking the bus is a treat too for little ones who are used to being driven everywhere. My grandson loved our trips to the city by bus and Métro.

We went back to their home for a fun visit at the park and then a nice dinner.

hear the music
squeals and giggles
toddlers on the swing

After dinner Lara sat next to me with a book she wanted me to read and Gabriel sat on the other side. I had never read this one before.  As I read, I could feel both children huddle closer to me and looking up at my face as I acted out a lot of the words. Their mom laughed saying I looked as excited as the children were reading it. I actually was…I love discovering new children’s stories. I also like making up children’s stories.

I had such a lovely day and slept like a baby last night.

Tomorrow I will be having a belated Mother’s Day dinner with my daughter. What a full week filled with love.

My heart is swelling so much I feel it against my chest.

© tournesol 2024-05-13  Daily Moments

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