Overnight, the tree in our backyard gave birth to millions of leaves. Listening to the sounds of the leaves singing as the wind carried through brought peace and a stillness of calm within. Just moments before, I had been in a funnel cloud of busy children, and immersed in what I often call my "overtime daycare". Last night, I had ventured out to gaze at the moon, to find it was covered by a hint of silvery clouds, leaving magnificent rings, which helped in quieting all the noise of the day. That is, until the sliding glass door came flying open, and my hiding spot was uncovered by two little faces peering at me, wondering what the heck I was doing. Everything about them is as magical as the trees coming back to life in spring and the mystery of the moon, but, even the best of us, need our time to rest, and tuck ourselves away from the needs, wants, agenda's, and daily hustle-bustle of those with little hands, hearts, and wondering eyes.

If you only knew how long it has taken me to get out one paragraph (and often does), or how many times I have had to lose my train of thought, for little feet come running in, words come flying out like airplanes without a flight path, and the "sky is going to fall" (or so it would appear) needs and demands to be met. And, yet it is how we have learned to get through, deal, and succeed. Years ago, before the coming of "motherhood", life happened. And, I mean, solid rest, freedom to come and go, good food, and a social-life outside of play-dates, school functions, and the events of our children. Think of how much of that old life is missed, and now think about not missing what is for the world. Motherhood is a splendid blessing of change that is irreversible, and a gift that is forever giving.

Whether you are a grandma, a mom, an adoptive mom, a step-mom, a mommy-to-be, spend Sunday being over the moon about your little (and grown big) one's, all your easy and trying milestones, and the you, you have morphed into over the years. No matter what age (how we grow old during the early years), no matter what size (we all know it doesn't get back to the way it used to be), you are beautiful, within and without; you are a part of the great puzzle of life. It is easy for us to get down about weight, and the coming of our aging processes, and for just one day let's quiet the voice with negative words, and instead remember, and ponder the memories that have been, the memories in the making, and the possibilities we are building for tomorrow. Take a moment to gaze upon old photographs, letters, memorabilia, and what you do have do share it and pass it along. For those of you, getting ready to celebrate that special mom, or a mom that has passed on, or a mom you long for, give it you're all. If you have been one of the kids that have brought your mom great pains and great joy (and not just at the birthing table), make it important to get your loving point across. She always did, even if it was in her own way. Sunday is your day to shine, and to shine on the little people who have made it all possible.

Last week my daughter's words pushed me into a realization; how being a mom has brought me to joyous laughing at times, and other times, tears that could not be stopped. While putting my make-up on, (often the only solitude I get and cherish) my daughter stared at me intently. She piped up with, "Mom, I love watching you put your face on, and it is a really good thing that they have come out with products that can make even you look young." Ouch. But her words brought us to a place of laughter. I wonder if I am as old as the hills in her 9 year old mind. I must keep in perspective that her words are probably not the worst thing she will say to me in this lifetime. Let's not pretend; our children can bring us great joy, great strength, can provide us with lessons, and at the same time can ooze with all of the other "stuff" we hope to forget, and often do when we see them succeed, flourish, and flower.

Now, I am off to start laundry, dinner, and you know the rest of it...the never-ending.

Happy Mother's Week (a day just isn't enough) to you all!

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For my grand-mom; the one who showed me how to live an inspiring, peaceful, loving, and success"full" life. Everyday you are missed, and remembered:

My Miracle Mother

Mom, I look at you

and see a walking miracle.

Your unfailing love without limit,

your ability to soothe my every hurt,

the way you are on duty, unselfishly,

every hour, every day,

makes me so grateful

that I am yours, and you are mine.

With open arms and open heart,

with enduring patience and inner strength,

you gave so much for me,

sometimes at your expense.

You are my teacher,

my comforter, my encourager,

appreciating all, forgiving all.

Sometimes I took you for granted, Mom,

but I don't now, and I never will again.

I know that everything I am today

relates to you and your loving care.

I gaze in wonder as I watch you being you-

my miracle, my mother.

By Joanna Fuchs