Mother is a Saint (JAH)

Friday, March 12: The first day of my Giving Challange. A friend had asked me earlier in the week who the recipient of my first gift would be. It is perhaps the easiest question I have ever been asked. There is only one person who I would ever consider. My Mother. She has spent her whole life giving to her family and others. She is the most unselfish, caring, compassionate, generous, wonderful person I have ever known. Although it is a bit cliche' to say that someone is a saint, in my Mother's case it is absolutely true. I don't know how I was so lucky to have her as a Mother, but I thank God that I was. She has always been the rock for our family. For the past 6 months or so we have been going out to dinner with my Mother on Friday evenings. She enjoys trying new places and spending time with us, especially my 6 year old son who cracks her up with the things he says and does (well, when he is not playing his Nintendo DS). Truth be told, I think we enjoy the time together as much if not more than she does. It is a great way to end each work week b/c she has such a beautiful perspective on life. On my way out to pick her up this evening, I stop and buy some flowers for her. I go over in my mind all of the wonderful things I am going to say to her when I give her the flowers. But when she answers the door and sees the flowers, I get a little choked up and all I can manage to do is hug her and say "Thank you". It wasn't what I planned, but it turned out to be just right. Later that evening I also give her a copy of Cami's book. We have a great dinner together and then go back to our house, build a fire and watch a movie together. On my way back from driving her home, it is late and I am tired but all I can think about is how lucky I am to have this saint as my Mother.