Saying it with flowers

A rose can say "I love you",
Orchids can enthral.
But a weed bouquet in a chubby fist —
Oh my, that says it all. 

    
     Each Mother's Day, I find myself awed by that precious something called, Motherhood — that beautiful partnership with God, in bringing a new life into the world. 

     Many years ago, as my husband and I brought our first baby daughter home on a Mother's Day — just one week old — we never could have imagined then, the awesome responsibility that would be ours for years to come.     

     Throughout the various stages of parenting, we experience many emotions; joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness and pride. Yet, no other career in life is more fulfilling than guiding a young life to maturity to become all that he or she was created to be.   
     The idea of celebrating mothers on a special day each year began as a tradition by an American, Anna Jarvis, who, in 1907, wanted to honour the memory of her mother. The concept caught on quickly and is now celebrated worldwide. 
     On her first celebration Anna delivered her mother's favourite flower throughout her town — 500 carnations.

     Florists saw this as an opportunity and began encouraging people to wear one on their lapel; a red carnation if your mother was living, a white one if your mother was no longer alive. 

     I recall this being a practice within my family as I was growing up. 
     Soon, the simple celebration of mothers which Anna Jarvis began, became highly commercialized, much to her disappointment. Nine years later, she decried the practice of purchasing greeting cards, which she felt was a sign of being too lazy to write a personal letter, and now, felt the initial intent of the celebration was being abused. 
     Though our appreciation for our mothers or, mother figures, should be shown all year, taking a special day to thank those who sacrifice their time and energy to help us through life's challenges is important. 
     Each one of us, mother, father, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher or friend, can influence the life of a child. Somehow though, a loving, praying, dedicated mother has that unique touch like no other. 
    The beauty of a mother is not in the clothing that she wears, the figure she carries, or, in the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a mother is seen within her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart — the place where love resides.   

A Mother

When you're a child she walks before you,  
To set an example. 
When you're a teenager she walks behind you,  
To be there should you need her. 
When you're an adult she walks beside you,  
So that, as two friends, you can enjoy life together.  

— Author Unknown

— beulah