As far as Mother’s Days go, ours was not super exciting. My “present” was getting to go grocery shopping on my own, which really is great and treating myself to take-out lunch.
I got homemade cards the girls did at school, which had already taken their place on the art wall, and hugs, which are the best present ever.
I’m not going to spend my column inches reflecting on my short time as mother but try to show a little thanks to the woman I call mom.
My mom has always been my biggest supporter and constant growing up. I learned so many lessons from her about life as she worked as a nurse, specifically a home care and hospice nurse.
I will never forget the Christmas Eve I spent in the cancer ward when it was her holiday to work, or when we brought Christmas meals to some of her less fortunate patients on Christmas Day.
She was sad for me when I didn’t make drill team my first year but didn’t let me wallow for long, knowing it would build character I didn’t know I needed yet.
I can’t imagine the time and money she put into my extracurricular activities including sports, dance and band. I hope she enjoyed watching me as much as I enjoyed doing it.
My love for shopping stems solely from our regular trips to the mall, the dress store or the Red Lollipop in Pella. My girls never really had a chance because there was nothing my mother loved more than a frilly dress I could get my picture taken in.
My mom first found out I was pregnant with my oldest because I ate lunch with her almost every day at the hospital because we both worked in Newton. I had terrible morning sickness, and it was taco day.
I made it about two bites in before I was running for the bathroom. I came back knowing I needed an explanation, but before I thought of anything great, I blurted out I was pregnant.
My mom was also needed when I found out I was pregnant with my second daughter. In my life plans, I saw myself having children about four to five years apart. Thinking back, I’m not exactly sure why I wanted this, but that is how it was.
On a cold January day, when my oldest was only about eight months old, I just knew something was a little off. To calm my nerves, my husband picked up a pregnancy test, knowing it would be negative.
Much to everyone’s surprise, I saw two lines appear. I instantly panicked. I felt like someone was going to hand me a newborn to go along with my baby that hadn’t even had her first birthday.
I called my mom crying asking her to come to our house. I failed to tell her why she needed to come and hung up the phone. I’m a lot like my mom, so I can only imagine what was going through her head. She called back, and I once again blurted out I was pregnant. With a sense of calm, she said that it was a great thing and we could all do it together.
She, of course, was right, like she usually is. I cannot thank her enough for everything she has done for me and my family. From babysitting, to advice and even becoming my landscape contractor, she has always been there for me. Happy Mother’s Day Mom, love you!
Contact Jamee A. Pierson
at jpierson@newtondailynews.com