the holiday mother…
December 22, 2009
I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep so I did what every mother does during the hours of peace and quiet, I cleaned. For four hours, I picked up and scrubbed, sorted and collected, I did laundry…just feeling thankful to just accomplish, to work and let my mind go through thousands of thoughts uninterrupted.
As I pulled out the 324th load of snow clothes, I started thinking about my own mother. So many holiday nights finishing every last little detail that would shape our experience and offer us a memory. My memories revealing her efforts of shaping our childhood in an act of service and an expression of deep love…and for all her faults, her love has reigned supreme. I am with her on this night almost as if I was standing beside the 33 year old her, our babies asleep as we do the dishes and think about the next day ahead. I reached for the tiny snowman mug and feel every intent of love she has ever held for me, hoping my own girls know the same.
Kindnessgirl 
December 22, 2009 at 10:43 am
Beautiful post. It makes me miss your mom all the more as we’re getting ready for Christmas.
December 22, 2009 at 11:05 am
Oh, this is so beautiful, I hear your sweet voice as I read your words, your peace and love just reasonates through. Your girls know your love, and will feel it in so many more joyous ways as they grow into beautiful 33 year old women too. Merry Christmas friend,
December 22, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Beautiful, Patience. Just like you. Have a wonderful Christmas my friend.
December 22, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Beautiful, just beautiful. It helps me feel that all of the holiday effort is worth it.
December 22, 2009 at 3:04 pm
wow.
December 22, 2009 at 9:44 pm
my favorite memory is coming home to larnelle harris blasting….our mom is the best!!!!!
December 22, 2009 at 9:57 pm
So sweet and so true.
December 25, 2009 at 11:23 am
The sweetest post!
January 3, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Thanks for reminding me that this is why we do all we do. Sometimes it all gets lost in the shuffle and busy-ness of our days. You always bring my thoughts to words…and sometimes they are the thoughts that I didn’t even know were in there…but once you say them, I recognize them.