A Perfect Day

The greatest thing that ever happened to me had absolutely nothing to do with me.

I didn't have to be smart enough, talented enough or good enough to receive it.

It was a total gift from God, a beautiful gift that has brought me more love, joy and happiness that I ever imagined.

It's motherhood, specifically being Melissa, Ann Catherine and Lily Baker's mommy.

I feel so blessed to be their mother every day, but it seemed even greater on this day devoted to mommies.

It really was a perfect day that started at 6:51 a.m. with LB standing at my bedside saying, "Good morning, Mommy." As I pulled her into bed with us, she wanted to watch "Little Einsteins." I turned it on and fully aware of what today was, I began to pray. I thanked God for my kids - all three of them - and asked that this day would be happy, not sad.

And for the most part it was. Yes, I shed tears for Melissa. But God surrounded me with such a peace today.



After church, Chris and the girls took me out for the lunch. Then once we got home, we all got into "comfy clothes" and the girls and I crawled into my bed, snuggled together and watched a few episodes of "Olivia" and "Wonder Pets" on NickJr.

I'm telling you - that was the greatest Mother's Day gift ever. I love having my children around me. And snuggled in bed with me? That's even better!

Chris cooked me the dinner of my choice (shrimp pasta and brownies!). At the dinner table, we went around the table and each person named something they loved about the other three. I alternated between tears streaming down my face (when AC talked about the things she loved about LB) to fits of laughter (when LB talked about Chris and mentioned something hilarious that shall not be written in this blog!). Of course, the girls were having so much fun that we kept going and going. Seriously, do it at the dinner table sometime. It was so neat to see what we all said about each other.

It really was the best day ever.

I had Chris and my two girls with me, with Melissa's spirit permeating everything we did.

I'm telling you - I couldn't ask for more.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you, but a special blessing to those of you who celebrated this day with a gaping hole in your heart because your child is no longer with you. I believe God has a special mercy on Mother's Day for those of us who have lost children. He truly heard each tear that fell today and felt the pain that we carried in our hearts.

I hope, in turn, you felt his comfort today. I know I did. And I am so grateful for it.