Generational Gifts

Mother’s Day is coming up, and I have been dreading it, because it’s the first one since Mom passed away. I won’t be able to visit my Mom and take her favourite Swiss Chalet lunch to her, for us to enjoy together. I am feeling so sad about that.

I have been thinking some more about the gifts I received from Mom. I think my favourite gift was her listening ear. I remember being a teenager sitting at the end of her bed on Saturday mornings, telling her all about my week. Mom would be propped up on pillows, drinking coffee, and listening attentively. It meant so much to me that despite having four children, she made time for me on Saturday mornings. She was a great listener all her life, always curious and interested in what I was up to. My Nana was also a very good listener. She too would sit back with a cup of coffee when I came to visit, very willing to hear all about my week.

One of my daughters texted me today to let me know that she was at a meeting this morning where people were invited to share memories of their mothers. Imagine my surprise when she shared, ‘I talked about Saturday mornings, sitting on your bed, pouring out my heart to you, as you sat drinking coffee.’ Wow!! It sent a shiver down my spine to think that the gift of listening, cup of coffee in hand, was successfully passed down the generations!!

I will be thinking of Nana, Mom, myself, Martha, and Joanna, and the bond of listening that connects us all. Though not being able to be with Mom on Mother’s Day is definitely going to hurt, I am so grateful for these precious memories, which i think are going to help!