Voices Worth Listening To

Tonight I paused during some late-night packing to read this year’s hand-made Mother’s Day cards from the kids when I unearthed them from a stack of paperwork I was sorting.

From Lucy:

Dear Mom,

I recognize what things you have done that has impacted my life. For example, every morning when I wake up you already know what I like for breakfast. Another example would be the time we chased the bus and I didn’t get to say goodbye and you came to school to say goodbye before I go to my dad’s house. I hope your mothers day is full of smiles and happy faces!

Love,

Lucy

To be fair, knowing what she wants for breakfast when she wakes up isn’t exactly rocket science. She eats a frozen waffle every day. But, that incident at the bus stop happened two years ago (maybe even three) and I’m surprised she remembers it. We were running late and we pulled up to the bus stop just as the bus was getting there. And Lucy’s right, they dashed out of the car to catch the bus and we didn't get to say goodbye. After school that day they would be going to their dad’s house for the weekend and I wouldn't see them again for a couple of days. Instead of heading straight to work I drove to the church across the street from the school and parked the car. And knowing it would make me late, I made a mad dash across the street and the school lawn to the place they line up outside their classroom doors. I was able to reach each of them before they went inside, give them a squeeze (as non-embarrassingly as I could manage), and tell them I loved them and couldn't wait for them to come back home on Monday. Truthfully, I had forgotten all about that day and I certainly had no idea Lucy remembered it. Her note (and our wonderful weekend together) most certainly provided smiles and happy faces for Mother’s Day.

And then from Ben:

Hey mom your awesome! Happy Mother’s Day.

I love you.

Ben H.

As if without the “H” I would think it was from some other Ben. And clearly I have not yet adequately stressed the importance of the difference between "your" and "you're". But his card (while perhaps less eloquent than his sister’s) by virtue of it's "Ben-ness" provided just as many smiles and happy faces for Mother’s Day... and tonight. Just when I needed them.

I don’t think I’ll pack these cards just yet.

Wishing you all smiles and happy faces. Wherever you happen to find them.