Wednesday, May 10, 2017

One Last Mother's Day Dinner!


Happy Mother's Day
Mother's Day is special to me,
 not only because my family blesses me with their thoughtfulness,
but because remembering my mother is a gift that I can reopen each year. 
A treasured gift that lives in the depths of my heart.



This story begins on a gorgeous Mother's Day in the year 2000. 
The day was warm and sunny accompanied by plans for a special dinner for my mother in our home.
You see, after my father passed away in 1998, 
I brought my mother from Michigan to live with me in my home in Texas. 
God brought my family 2 years earlier to this very home that would have a room just for my mom.
 A home where just outside our subdivision, and across the road, was a care facility.
 Little did we know at the time, there would be a need for that care.
 But God knew and was preparing us for what lay ahead.
At that point, mother settled in with me and my family and life continued by the grace of God. However, little by little my mother's health was failing. 
She had medical issues and needs that I could no longer meet.
 I tried, I really tried. I cried and  prayed for the strength and courage to continue, but that was not going to be the plan.
 Now the help of that very care facility in our area was needed. 
So close by and so easy to visit every day. 
What a blessing it was.
Mom once again settled into her new home. I decorated her pretty space, with all her treasures to give her comfort and feel like home.
 Not a word of complaint was ever spoken from her lips, 
not a discouraged attitude was ever reflected in her pretty face. 

She was showing us the grace and dignity of a life in its final days.
 It had to be difficult for her making this huge change.

The grand lady who worked and retired from the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, 
 was also a homemaker, gardener, decorator, crafter, cook, wife, mother, sister, church faithful and friend to all.
As time went by, my family and I spent every day stopping in to visit my mother.
 Mornings, afternoons and evenings we all stopped in to spend time with mom.
 I planned special events, picnics outside mom's room,
 sing  a longs, birthday parties and so forth. 

It was still a time to soak up much to learn about life and the fragility of our days on earth. 
Mom still had so much to tell me and show me. 
She was an angel on earth and her work here not yet complete.
By now the first Mother’s Day after mom’s move was approaching. 
Mom was doing well enough to come home for the day to enjoy dinner 
and spend time with the family. 
We all were looking forward to the outing mom would take to be with us.
 I cooked and cleaned to make everything just right.
 I prayed for our day to be as special as could be, and it was.
I can still see mom as my husband brought her home for the day visit.
 He wheeled her up the walkway in her wheelchair and my heart beat quicker with the excitement to entertain my mother. 
She was dressed in a pretty lavender suit. 
The color was gorgeous against her pretty silver hair.
 A little blush on her cheeks brought out those gorgeous brown eyes that danced and glistened like the pearls around her neck.
 It was easy to see how happy she was to be in our home for Mother’s Day.

Dinner was wonderful as we all talked and laughed sharing family memories.
 I played the piano for mom and we sang her favorite hymns. 
We went outside on the patio to enjoy the sunshine of this perfect day continuing the laughter and family stories.

As the day came to an end, I cleared the dining room table and cleaned the kitchen as mom sat by talking and laughing just like many times before. 
What a gift when I look back. How fast time marches on as life moves us forward.
When it was time to take mom back, we all rode along to settle her in her pretty room for the night. We gathered to say a prayer as we always did in parting, knowing we had been blessed once again with a memory that would last us forever. 

Mom passed away just 3 and half months later.
 Just 14 weeks from that special Mother’s Day and last dinner.
The last time she would ever be in my home. The last time I would see her in that gorgeous lavender suit, hear her voice at the dinner table and see her generous smile. 
 With fragile hands, mom stroked my hair as we said goodbye.
 Thanked me for a lovely dinner and special day.

 I can still see her hand wave as we walked out of her pretty room.
 “See you tomorrow, we all said.”  
Tomorrow's did come and go in those weeks before mom took her final move to heaven.
 Looking back  on those days were the best of my life.  Times in which I learned so much from my mother.  
The one who always had a smile on her face and kind word for all.  
Generous to a fault and a giver of time.  
 Encouraging and a cheerleader to everyone.
Learning's that will never have a last time!
This Mother’s Day will once again give me the moments to look into my heart and reopen that gift from the past. 
 It will be a time to be thankful for the dear mother I was blessed with and the mom I hope and pray I can be, set by her example.
Mom used to say to cherish the moments, 
take time to be kind
 and in all ways ask God to direct our path.
 Insightful words from a wise lady. 

I hope your days are special
 and blessed by gifted moments
 shared with family, friends and Mothers.     
 (c)Celestina Marie

Many Blessings Always.

35 comments:

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

What a lovely story. It's so wonderful to have cherished memories like these. Wishing you a loving Mother's Day too!

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Beautiful story and memories.

Sue Kosec said...

Tears! I miss my mother so very, very much - just as you do.

Happy Mother's Day to you!
xo
SuZeQ

Creations By Cindy said...

Just precious dear friend. Made me cry this morning. But I am thrilled that you have such precious memories. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Unknown said...

Celestina Marie, You write a lovely and heartfelt story about your Mother! A special Lady and Daughter! God Bless you!
LJ

Createology said...

Dear Celeste your tribute to your Mother is beyond cherished and beautiful...just like you and she. Living with Grace is something I strive for every day and you sweet lady are such an inspiration for me. Thank You and may you enJOY a very special Mother's Day. <3

Valerie-Jael said...

Wonderful story about a great lady! Hugs, Valerie

Dorthe said...

Dear Celestina,
what lovely words, about your dear mother, whom gave you so much love and joy,- I can tell you also gave her your love, and lots of joy filled hours before she ended her life on earth. Beautiful memories, dear friend. Hugs, Dorthe

Debbie Harris said...

Such a beautiful Mother's Day memory, Celestina.
Your mother was a lovely lady, both inside and out and the apple does not fall far from the tree.
May your Mother's Day be a beautiful one~

Rose L said...

Beautiful. I am blessed to still have both parents.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

What a loving Mother's Day tribute in honor of your dear Mom, my sweet friend. I'm sure she's smiling down from heaven, at you, her precious daughter. Aren't you blessed to have those wonderful memories and to have your own special angel? I am lucky to still have my mom and I'm making plans to visit her for her birthday.
Happy Mother's Day to you, dear one.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh what a beautiful Mothers Day you had with your mother. She sounds like such a special mother and you were so lucky to have her. I know she will always be in your heart and guiding you.

I lost my mother when I was 21 so don;t have as many wonderful memories as you do.

Enjoy your Mothers Day and I know it will be amazing.

Hugs dear one,

Mary

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

That was such a beautiful tribute to your mother.
Wishing you a wonderful end of the week and a Happy Mother's Day.
Julie

Donna said...

Hi Celestina,
I love this story about your dear mother. What a dear and special lady she was, I know I would have loved her if I'd had the pleasure of meeting her. I know you miss her so much. I myself and treasuring the time that I have left with my own elderly mom. Happy Mother's Day!!

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

A beautiful story of your love for your Mom and your memories...I lost my Mom 18 years ago and it seems like forever since I've seen her. You are so blessed to have so many great and wonderful memories of your Mom...Happy Mother's day.

Claudia said...

Dear Celeste, my friend, such a lovely post , im meomory of your dear Mum! Thank you for sharing this!
My mum now is 85 and I thank God for every day I still have her with us!
Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week, and a Happy Mother's day!
sending much Love and hugs and blessings, Claudia xo

Edie Marie's Attic said...

I always love to hear about your mom Celeste! You made her life a wonderful one in her aged years. The situation was so perfect for her care in those years yet being able to be close & loved by all of you. What a beautiful lady she was! And what a beautiful lady you are. Like mother, like daughter! It was so special to see her photo. Thank you for sharing such a big part of your heart with us. Have a wonderful Mothers Day with your son! Blessings & love, Sherry

Anonymous said...

Lovely post, Celeste. Such a beautiful memory.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Have a very blessed Mother's Day, friend.
xoxo

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

Beautifully said. I'm glad you got to share so much with your mother before she passed.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Such a beautiful tribute to your Mother. It is so difficult when our aging parents get to the point where they need help. How sweet you brought your Mother to live with you. The last Mother's day meal sounds so special. Your sweet Mother in her lavender suit. You are a wonderful woman with a heart of gold. I can see where you get your sweet personality. Enjoy your lovely memories of your sweet Mother. Happy Mother's day. xo

Unknown said...

My dear Celestina, I just shed tears reading your heartfelt story about your sweet mother. What a blessing. I know you must miss her dearly. But she is always with you in your heart and mind. I believe we will see our loved ones again. My mother is living with me since my father passed away a year and a half ago. She is 90. I thank God she is with me amd treasure every moment with her. Thank you for sharing your beautiful mother with us. xoxo

krishna said...

Oh dear Celestina, A big hug for you.. your mom is always with you.. just close your eyes you can see her smiling just in front of you.. Loads of love.. XO

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful memory! I am so glad you have it, and how amazing that God planted you right where you needed to be for your dear mother. :) She looks like she was such a nice lady. :)

Alessandra said...

What a beautiful story! You' ve got so many sweet memories. Happy mother's day to you dear friend
Hugs Alessandra

craftyles said...

Such a beautiful story and tribute to your lovely Mom. You look so much like her. Happy Mothers Day to you sweet friend!

Patti said...

Oh, what a sweet and tender story. What a blessing that you brought her to Texas and that her final years were spent knowing that she was loved and wanted.

Thank God for the promise of eternal life and Heaven with our loved ones!!

Happy Mother's Day to you.

Love,
Patti

My thrift store addiction said...

Dear Celestina, your words brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful tribute to your dear mother. Happy Mother's Day to you!

Art and Sand said...

What a sweet story!

Red Rose Alley said...

This was a very nice story, Celestina, and I could visualize the journey with your words. What a pretty smile your mother had, and I can see you in her. We learn so many things from our mothers, especially values and to cherish time with loved ones.

Happy Mother's Day to a very dear blog friend.

love, ~Sheri

Deborah Montgomery said...

What a lovely story. And what a blessings those last days must have been to you all. xo Deborah

handmade by amalia said...

I had tears in my eyes reading this beautiful tribute to your mother.
Amalia
xo

Okio B Designs said...

Such a lovely tribute to your mom!

Jeanine

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

This is such a touching tribute to your dear Mother! I am so glad to hear that you had this very special Mother's Day to remember her by. A beautiful Mom and beautiful daughter. Sending hugs xo

Conniecrafter said...

so wonderful to have those special moments to remember and I am sure she was so happy to have the visits from family :) After 15 years I am still having a hard time with my mom's passing, so wish she was here to talk to

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

What a beautiful and very special tribute to your mother you have written! And how wonderful that the Lord orchestrated that very special day together for you before her passing, and that she was surrounded by family and those who loved her even while in the nursing home care. We never know what life holds before us, but so thankful that such special memories were made and can be held close and dear to your heart! Hugs to you today :)

Post a Comment

Thank you for stopping by. Your visits and comments are always welcome and I look forward to visiting you in return. Have a blessed day!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..