RIP Saundra~ My mother

Today is Mother's Day 2014 and I feel the love already. My ne and only child; my daughter, called me at 12 midnight from California to wish me Happy Mother's Day and I got a few gifts already as well. I do think there should be a day set aside and reserved to celebrate Mothers, and I can say that not because I am a mother but because I had the wonderful gift of having one of the best mother's ever...

My mom, Saundra Marie Thompson was one of those women that were BORN to be a MOM. Her nature was just so nurturing and patient. Her very presence was gentle and kind. Even the pictures of her pregnant and then the one time I saw her pregnant with my baby brother are all images of the glowing, smiling, happy, expectant mother to be. She was a great listener and seemed so wise in her advice and conversation. I remember being a little girl and noticing even then how special she was. Everyone thinks their mom is the best mom ever, but my mom was the definition of mother. She would patiently explain things to us as kids, and even when any baby in the family was difficult or cranky, Saundra could get her hands on that baby and magic would happen. I could go on and on with stories about how she displayed acts of motherhood. I could rehash thousands of tales and instances where she did some motherly amazing thing that I cherish from my childhood, but on Mother's Day, now that I am older, and a mother, I tend to remember fondly all the ways she stood out to me as a woman and how those things made her MY Special MOM.

My mom isn't here with us any longer, and so all I do have are the memories she left me with, but I smile so often when thinking of her because even as I miss her, I cannot help but feel her still here. My mother taught me about love. Not just in how she loved me, but in how she loved and embraced everyone. How she always made an effort to get to know people and how she was always the go to for any other woman in our family who needed mother advice. In how she loved my brothers unconditionally as some of them went through and put her through foolery. She never wavered in her admiration of any of us, never judged us, and never stopped encouraging us. Her very existence made you want to make her proud and even today when I achieve something, I think of her pride first. Being in her graces has that much power still. She taught me how to love my own daughter unconditionally and in a way that balances all she would ever need of me. She did this not through lessons taught but by simply being a mother to me. She never questioned my choices, just supported me through them and encouraged me on; right or wrong.

I think of her on this day and I remember all the cards and gifts and dinners we bestowed upon her every Mother's Day past and I ache knowing that we never did and really never could show her or give her enough for her to know how truly she shaped our lives. I always hope that she knew how very much I loved and needed her in everything I did and do. I wish desperately that she was here so that I could say so many things that I have said a thousand times, but with the understanding of missing someone, want to say one more time. Like, I love you, I cherish you, I revere you, I respect you, I thank you, I need you, and I AM you.

But I will tell her anyway. For all of you who are blessed enough to still have your mommy here, let today be the beginning of you telling her everyday just how much she means to you, in some way.

Happy Mothers Day Cracians and Earthlings and a very special Happy Mother's Day to My Mother in Heaven Saundra Marie Thompson and My AUNT Jackie. Love them always and miss them often..

~Cracey