your mother's day and mine

Dear Mom,

I liked the way you smelled after a long trip with Dad when you would come through the very door in this picture and pick us up at Grandma's where we had been staying. Your skin was always so fresh and cool, either from the snowy outdoors in winter or the crisp air conditioning in summer. You smelled like some place wonderful mingled with your perfume - the combination that resulted from time away with dad and thus your happy glow.

If I was with you today, I'd make you a necklace from construction paper hearts and an old shoe string that you can't help but picture in the mud and which you are grateful doesn't smell like dog poop - because that's what my children did for me. I would pick all of your favorite flowers - the only ones that bloomed - and which you so love to see growing outside - and put them in mugs and glasses all over your house. I would still string my toys all over the floor, but I don't think you would mind picking them up - what with the necklace and all - and did I mention the rings that say MOM and the poem that you rock like a mock ? If I was 2, I might even dump baby powder all over the bathroom floor and myself and the tractor trailer I like to drive around the house. But don't worry, Dad'll clean it up.

If I were with you today, I'd kiss your face and thank God that I learned from the very best woman in the world just how special old shoelaces can be. You rock, Mom. Like a mock.