May 9, 2023
Dear Friends,
I want to wish all mothers a very HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY coming up.
It is a time for joy, reflection, gratitude, appreciation, forgiveness and most of all love. Let us celebrate all spiritual mothers who have lovingly cared
for another: birth, adoptive, foster, in-law, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters. Let us show gratitude for the men who have been mothers to their children, dads,
grandpas, uncles, brothers, foster, in-law, adoptive and anyone else who has loved and cared for a child of all ages. Let us celebrate all ‘moms’ of fur kids,
winged kids and water kids.

Life stories with our mothers, can be wonderful, and it can be painful. If you have been hurt in any way, it does not diminish your BEAUTY, WORTH, VALUE and
PURPOSE in the eyes of God. You are a blessing to this earth dimension. You are Divinity, God’s spark of goodness and love. Always remember you are unique,
special and are here for a reason, a Divine purpose.
This is the day to consciously forgive and send love and blessings to your mother and/or those who cared for you.

Many of us had mothers who were wonderful, and/or mothers with illnesses, mothers with painful challenges of her own so the idealistic life may not have been
realized. No matter what, we can bring back blessed memories and share the good and funny stories around the table.

I would like to share some beautiful stories from the ‘Reader’s Digest’. I hope you will enjoy them, and then give your mother a call and tell her how glad you
are to be her child. If your mother has passed, you can still tell her in silent thoughts and prayers.

Kindness
I was rushed to the emergency room with complications from my high-risk pregnancy. After weeks of mandated bed rest in the hospital, I found myself suffering
from an unfamiliar sadness. One day, my nurse brought a surprise to my room—a newborn named James. James’ mom (who also experienced a high-risk pregnancy) sent her precious, healthy son for me to hold, along with an encouraging message: “This is the reason you are here in the hospital.” Three decades later, my heart is
still full of gratitude for Baby James and his mom. And, I am thankful for my own healthy son, Hunter. —Submitted by Lisa Stevens, The Woodlands, Texas.

Be Switzerland
On the first day of first grade, I stood by the front door with butterflies in my stomach. I voiced my biggest concern to my mother: “How will I make friends?”
Crouching in front of me, she handed me advice I carry with me to this day: “Be Switzerland.” Be friends with everyone. Treat everyone equally and fairly. For all
of my 20 years, I have lived by these words. Soon I will graduate and become a part of the real world. And on that first day, nervously facing new responsibilities,
I know I will whisper two words to myself: “Be Switzerland.” —Submitted by Abigail Wortman, West Long Branch, New Jersey.

Chosen
“I was chosen to be your mama,” I tell my four-year-old daughter as my younger boys pull at my clothes. She looks at me tearfully and asks, “Why couldn’t I grow
in your tummy like my brothers?” “Well,” I tell her, choking back my own tears, “The doctor said I couldn’t grow a baby in my tummy, so your daddy and I decided to
adopt a baby. That baby was you.” I hold my breath and wait for a more difficult question. “Can I have some ice cream?” she asks. “Yes!” I say, thankful for her
innocence. —Submitted by Katina Brown, West Monroe, Louisiana

Dress Shopping
We went looking for a wedding dress on Sunday. Laughing, we made for the door of a bridal shop. This would surely be the first of many stores before we found the
perfect gown. Having witnessed other brides and their mothers, we vowed to be happy in these moments. Unexpectedly, my mind went back to the day we brought her
home some 27 years ago. I said a silent thank-you to the young mother who, by letting her go, allowed her to be mine at this precious time. Two hours later, there
she stood, in the dress of her dreams. My beautiful girl. –Marybob Straub, Smyrna, Georgia.

Love Him
Upon attempting to prepare my 7-year-old daughter for a new baby in a few months, she repeatedly stated, “No boys in our house!”
After several months the BIG day arrived. My daughter came into the hospital room and I told her the baby was a boy and asked her, “What are we gonna do?”
She placed both her hands on her hips and without missing a beat said, “Well I guess we’ll have to love the little thing!” —Submitted by Karen Dugger, West Plains,
Missouri.

For more stories
20 Short, Sweet Stories About Moms | Reader’s Digest (rd.com)