“Love, Charlie”
For some reason, now that my own mother is gone, the whole Mother’s Day thing seems to sneak up on me unexpectedly. It used to be that we’d take mom out to dinner – always a martini or two, first – or, some years, we’d do a special dinner at home – always a martini or two, first – at our house. When dad was living, he’d also have a little gift for her, as well.
Years ago, I hinted to Nyel that he might want to follow dad’s lead and give me a gift for Mother’s Day. I should have known better. He just looked at me and said, “You’re not my mother.” He did have a point. Nor was I the mother of his children (of which there are none.)
But, I am unfailingly and inordinately pleased when our local (well, Seaview) florist rings the bell and there is a gorgeous basket of flowers from Charlie. I don’t really know if he has a standing order or if he actually remembers to call from Los Angeles Mother’s Day after Mother’s Day. Either way, I’m invariably a bit surprised and always feel absolutely special!
FTD (Florist Transworld Delivery)
Yesterday the doorbell rang twice! The first time it was the flower basket from Charlie and the second time it was an FTD box. I’ve never had an FTD delivery before and I had to think for a minute what in the world it might be. And who it might be from!
“Love, Roonie”
Inside that long narrow package was a lovely bouquet, a glass vase, one of those packets of preservatives to be mixed with water, and a card from Marta that began, “Happy Mother’s Day to the Best 2nd Mom Ever!! I can’t imagine what my life would be without you in it…” It was addressed to “Dear Sydley” and signed “Love, Roonie” – names we’ve called one another since she came into my life when she was five – nigh unto sixty years ago!
How blessed I feel on this Mother’s Day Weekend!
Were Nyel and Dave sperated at birth? Congratulations on scoring two bouquets! I have to steal mine from the neighbors.
As I drove to work yesterday, I was listening to the radio. Instead of the usual “Salute Your Soldier”‘ they had messages from soldiers wishing their mothers’ a happy Mother’s Day, and expressing their thanks and love I found tears rolling down my face, wishing I could tell my mother how much I missed her and our weekly 2 hour phone chats.
Happy Mother’s Day, mom, and Happy Mother’s day, Sydney, tomorrow!