(Often Mothers have left behind powerful dreams that they may still be able to achieve – with a little nudge. In this article, I have provided some options and a few solutions…)
Special Mothers Day Gifts
When I was a young girl, around Mother´s Day, I would ask my Mother what she would like for her special day. Her reply came with a bright smile on her face (I knew what she would say…): “Two good kids!”
The question and answer became a yearly ritual. My Mom knew that my brother, Jim and I would do our best to be nice to one another for a few days. And that pleased her a lot.
Our sibling harmony was a good lesson for us, too. Jim and I learned that there were other ways to settle arguments than by shouting at one another and then calling for “Mommy!” to settle the dispute. He and I ended up being very close. I credit my mom for helping that along.
My mother (Eileen), passed away several years ago. She was 92 and ready to go. (JIM DIED long before she did.) I miss her very much – especially on Mother´s day. One of her unique strengths was her great natural curiosity about people. Often, I felt that my boyfriends came to the house more to talk with her than to see me! They would sit in the kitchen and chat with her about their hopes and dreams.
I learned from my mom how important it is to have the patience and the love to look deeper into a person´s life; to inquire about the things they may secretly want to do with their lives, but dare not divulge. She asked friends and family what they quietly dreamed of doing. She listened with real interest. And encouraged them to go and do it, if it seemed to be a real passion. (See a few special Mother’s Day Gifts below…)
So on Mother´s Day, I like to turn the tables and ask my surrogate Mother, (my long-time mother-in-law, Olga, who is now 93,) what she dreams of doing. What would make her happy this year? When you are 93, the options may be somewhat limited. But I suggest you try this same thing with your Mom (or surrogate), no matter her age. You may be surprised at her answer.
Special Mothers Day Gifts – You Can Consider…
Often Mothers have left behind powerful dreams that they may still be able to achieve – with a little nudge. Here are some options and a few solutions that I can recommend…
WRITING – Maybe your Mom always had the desire to write. We have inside us so many stories, so much hard-earned wisdom. If your Mom has been a closet writer, why not give her a book that could open that door a crack?
For this very special task, I love Anne Lamott’s book, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
TRAVELING – Or perhaps your Mother would love to travel more… You could give her a gift card to a book store to find the country she dreams of visiting… or send her to Amazon and let her choose something like this: Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips
MUSIC – Maybe she loves music, and she always dreamed of playing an instrument or perhaps even taking a few Singing Lessons. You do not have to invest in a whole series of lessons (piano, voice, guitar etc.). Just give her the nudge of permission by purchasing one or two lessons… and let her do the rest.
And finally, here’s a bigger idea:
Does your Mother have a long-time hobby that she is very good at or other unique knowledge that she could share on the internet?
WEBSITE LIFE – Perhaps you could encourage her to begin a blog. Or even start a small inernet business for herself. There are numerous books and CDs that address this kind of dream. I have read many of them…
I like this woman’s approach very much: Jackie Lee (Internet Marketing For Mommies.) She is honest, funny and smart. And she has some good resources on her Web site to help a person get started.
Download her free report, “Create a Profitable Blog in 2 Hours a Day.” Print it out and give it to your Mom along with a promise to help her find those two precious hours a day….
Or maybe, like my wonderful Mother, what your Mom would really like most is just to have “two good kids.”
I leave you on your own to figure that one out!
P.S. My mother-in-law, Olga told me that she would like to read more. So we have given her a monthly allowance to shop for books at Amazon.com. We order them on the net, and they arrive at her house a few days later…
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