Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2007. It was Mother's Day and Mattie was five years old! Mattie was crossing his arms over his heart to indicate to the camera that he loved me. Mattie may not physically be present, but his love and spirit remain alive within me. I remember this moment like it were yesterday and I thought we would have many more Mother's Days together. I now face Mother's Day without my son and my husband. I carry Mattie's memories and legacy alone, and that notion is a sobering reality and loss.
Quote of the day: I can think of no mother more deserving than a mother who had to give one back. ~ Erma Bombeck
Do you know the history of how Mother's Day got started in the US? Here's a synopsis of the day. It started from a woman's great loss! Typically how all amazing movements begin..........................................................
Mother's Day in the U.S. evolved from various initiatives, but its official establishment is largely credited to Anna Jarvis, who, after her mother's death in 1905, sought to honor motherhood. Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother's Day celebration in 1908 and campaigned for national recognition, which was achieved in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother's Day celebration in Grafton, West Virginia, in 1908, with a church service and a similar event in Philadelphia. While Anna Jarvis originally envisioned a day of modest celebration and personal expressions of gratitude, Mother's Day quickly became a commercial holiday with traditions like sending cards, giving gifts, and enjoying meals as a family. Anna Jarvis was reportedly unhappy with the commercialization of the holiday and its association with fundraising by charitable organizations, as she envisioned a more personal and meaningful celebration.
I strongly believe in Mattie signs. I have had three! The first.... last night, while sitting in bed, I could see a bright light through my blinds. It was a beautiful Mattie moon shining in on me. The second.....when I got up this morning, the first thing I did was open my bedroom blinds. What did I see? A beautiful red cardinal right outside my window. I literally looked at that bird and said..... Thank you Mattie for remembering today! That red bird gave me the confidence to get through the day and to know that I AM NOT ALONE. The third....... as I was driving my parents to brunch, along the side of the road was a mama Canadian goose with her goslings walking in tow. Immediately what flashed through my mind was what Mattie always said to me whenever he saw an animal mother with her babies..... that's you and me! Indeed, that goose and goslings today were meant to be seen. MOON, CARDINAL, and GOOSE/GOSLINGS! These were my Mother's Day gifts from Mattie, showing me that he walks alongside me, is watching everything that has transpired, and unlike others..... he NEVER walks away. Even cancer can't divide or destroy our bond.
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