Ode to Mom

Let me start by saying, I miss my mother oh so much.

There's a cheesy little picture frame at work that has a poem that bothers me to no end because it sounds so unfinished, but the sentiment is sweet. Bothered or not, it still gets me every time I see it. It goes:

Even when you're grown up, a mother is always there
To make you smile, help you through, and chase away your fears.
Ever when you're grown up, a mother is still by your side.

It begs to have another line, I know, but I didn't write it. If I did, I would have written something like this:

Harmony
A mother and daughter singing the same song
Two hearts speaking as one
One older, wiser, always tender
One tended, guided, and loved
The notes often change, though the tune stays the same
Seasons shift
Distance drives a wedge
But a mere rest cannot end a song
The melody grows richer
The harmony is sweeter
Age aids beauty
The song goes on
And on
And on forever
Mother and daughter, two hearts always singing the same song

THAT is what I'd put on that picture frame rather than the cheesy little unfinished poem.

I worked for 9 hours today and saw all sorts of people come through my little store. What struck me most was the number of mother-daughter pairs. They were in all different seasons of life. A mother and her 12 year old daughter browsed the Pandora counter. A woman bought her 55+ year old daughter a beautiful ring. A 27 year old and her mom made a quick circuit of the store and breezed out, chatting in hushed tones about the lack of things they wanted there. A spoiled 8 year old got exactly what she wanted, regardless of the price--her mother couldn't stop buying for her. A mother and her teenager giggled excitedly as they registered for the $500 shopping spree, imagining what they'd buy if they won. One woman is due to have her little girl in January.

I loved it. And hated it. Like I said, I miss my mother and they only served to remind me of that. I loved observing them. Each daughter was so like her mother. Half the time they didn't even have to say anything to each other; they just pointed, nudged, nodded, and giggled together, instantly knowing the other's thoughts. Each wanted-needed-the other's opinion and advice in order to make a decision. They relied on each other for joy and shopping expertise. You could see the deep connections that held them together despite the various ages.

Mothers who purposely create these life-lasting bonds are certainly treasures. My life is lacking without my mother by my side, but is fulfilled by knowing she is always there for me--just a phone call (or text!) away!

I love you, Mom!