Mother's Day 2007

Everyone scrambles to find the perfect gift, the perfect card, the perfect flowers. What a special time when we show mom just how special she is to us. Shouldn't everyday be Mother's Day? After all, isn't mom special everyday?


Sami is now twenty and she is the perfect Mother's Day gift for me. Though there have been many challenges through the years, there is nothing that has enriched my life more than motherhood. Sami is my joy, my inspiration, my hero. She has also been a big reason for my growth as a woman, as a person. We grow together. And I like how we have grown into the individuals and the family we have become and are becoming.

Sometimes, I just like to take it easy, to be comfortable in the world that we have built for ourselves, to just take each day luxuriously. Yet Sami keeps me on my toes. She points out to me that this isn't enough. That life is much bigger than hotel-quality linens, an immaculate house, and a trip to the nail place. She brings up issues that need attention: the pet food contamination that is hurting and killing our beloved pets; preserving our environment for the future generations; the hostile workplace situations that need our positive actions. It is good to have a young person in my life who believes that we need to do something, to act, to keep believing.

Sami loves me with the Mahal Spirit. When I doubt myself, she is quick to point out the good things I do. She is wonderful artist and she gives me rave reviews on my humble attempts at painting. She is a great writer, and she marvels at my attempts to write. She is an inspirer, an encourager, a Mahal Spirit. Sami shows me how to value life in everything. And she has made a wonderful difference in how I enjoy the joys that pets bring into my life. Sami provides the best home, love and care for all the strays that she has brought into our home. Our pets are not just pets; they are family. For how much I would be missing out on life without our pets. I can't even imagine not having Bambi's prima donna ways, her ever -loyal companionship, her deeply-knowing look in her eyes. And what would life be like without Majicou's (our spoiled cat) cuddles? And how dull everyday would be without Buddy's (doggie baby) leaps and bounds around the house. And the backard boys, Pogo and Jack, they add so much beauty (they are gorgeous) and love to our family. Not to mention the bettas and other fish that add life to living room, and the rats that are so funny in their dog-like ways.

That's Sami, so full of life, work, and causes. I am blessed to have her to give me a different perspective in life. For Mother's Day, she came home with four different kinds of flowers, ice cream (my favorite), 3 DVDs which she watched with me cuddled on the couch, and popcorn. It is the perfect day for me that I will not exchange for any diamond necklace nor a trip to Paris. See, it is the fact that she knows me well and nurtures those things that I love and give me comfort. What else is so special?

Everyday is Mother's Day with Sami. It is not unusual for her to come home with a pen (yes, a pen) for me because she knows I love pens. Sometimes, she'd come home with special paper, because I love paper. She'd bring home a couple of hazelnut creamers from 7-Eleven because I love that in my coffee. She'd spend hours finding the perfect candle for me. These are just a few things that she does...nothing big, but marvelously nurturing to my spirit. Thoughtful, small gestures add up to the big love and inspiring moments that make my life something to smile about.I hope your Mother's Day was wonderful. I have to go now and make my mom's day today another marvelous Mother's Day.