What Every Mom Wants

I spent the last couple of weeks with my mom in the hospital. What started out as a ‘no big deal’ medical issue became a ‘big deal’. Having that kind of experience gives you a lot of time to think. To reflect. And to ask yourself some important questions. You don’t have to wait though. I’m sharing some questions here for you to consider. Mother’s Day is coming, after all.

As I sat in the hospital room, I found myself reminiscing about childhood memories and moments I remember. Most of them were everyday moments, funny things she said, occasional crises, and contributions she has made, to me, my family, and the community. But I also found myself thinking about what kind of kid I have been. Where have I been challenging? How have I contributed to our family? And did I make her proud?

Maybe these are the same questions we think about all the people we love. What do you want to remember, how have you made life better? Worse?

Although every mom is unique, I think there are some things every mom wants. I believe most every mom wants to know her kids are safe and happy. I believe every mom wants to leave a little piece of herself with her kids…whether that is a recipe, or a skill like sewing or repairing a hole in shirt or a car tire, a favorite song or a knack for putting just the right amount of water and fertilizer on the garden to grow a perfect tomato…she wants to plant a seed in her children that lives on, maybe even (hopefully) in their children.

My mom loves music and art. She lives it. Every corner of her home is filled with beautiful pictures and sculptures. And the entire house is built around her grand piano. She continues to teach music to college students, well beyond all her colleagues who retired years ago. And among my favorite memories of her and my son is the fact that she has taken him to see The Nutcracker every single holiday season since he was able to walk.

What does your mom love? What seeds has she planted in you? And what seeds are you planting in your kids?

This Mother’s Day, maybe the very best gift you could give to your mom, or to yourself as a mom, is the gift of a conversation. Share a letter or a list of the things you and your kids remember most.

Our Adventure Kits contain everything you need to write and remember the moments as the come. The gift of those magic moments may begin with your kids, but they remain with you as you talk about them and write them down. You don’t have to wait for some time in the hospital to write and remember. You can start. The sooner, the better.

Until next time,
Team Gnome