Mom is in the Details

Mothers' Day, for many of us who have said good-bye to our moms, is a day of reflection.  While going through my files (I was looking for something else) I came across a file named "September 18", my mom's birthday.  I wrote this about 4 years ago (on September 18)....it is still a heartfelt tribute to the woman who loved me with her whole being:

I thought about the story “The Alchemist” as life unfolded today.  The hero learned to pay attention to the signs that the Universe was giving.  Last night as paid my bill, the waitress at the Mid-Eastern restaurant left a cup with 4 Jordan almonds.  As I ate 2 of them I had to think about how much my Mom loved Jordan almonds.  The light went on, so to speak, as I remembered her birthday was the next day (she would have been 96 today).  The other 2 almonds came home with me.

Today we had parent teacher conferences; I was tired and a bit frazzled.  After work I went to run some errands.  As I walked out into the parking lot I looked up to see the most incredible rainbow!  I then realized it was reflected twice & it was a double rainbow.  I just stood and gazed, remembering a day that my mom & I sat & watched a rainbow over the Mississippi River until it faded.  My mom loved rainbows.  When I was little she would stop & pull the car off the road so we could sit & watch the rainbow.

When I got home I put water on to boil….. when tired, upset, happy, feeling good, feeling bad, have a cup of tea!  That’s what my mom taught me.  As the water came to a boil, I dressed 2 candles with lavender oil (my mom’s favorite scent), placed her picture on my kitchen altar, grabbed the almonds, and pulled out some Lady Grey Tea. I lighted the candles, talked with her, thanked her, told her I loved her.  I fixed the tea with a teaspoon of sugar (the way she liked it).  I went out in the garden, poured some tea out and left the almonds as an offering. Our ancestors can help us and guide us… just ask.  My mom (who never was subtle) reminded me of that today!  Thanks Mom!

Thanks for letting me tell my story (many of my friends just wouldn’t understand).

Goddess’ blessings to all of you and to your matriarchal line!

Happy Mothers' Day!