Today we are celebrating mothers. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers! It doesn’t matter if you are a biological mother, step-mother, or mother figure. You are being celebrated today.
As for me, I am going to rejoice. For this is the day that the Lord has made. I am coping better each year, I think. If you don’t know by now, my mother is no longer physically present with me. Her love is here though. See my initial coping process here.
I had my game plan in motion to get through the weekend. In the past it was harder trying to keep busy. All of my friends had their mother, so it wasn’t like I’d be able to hang out with them. Well, maybe I could, but I don’t like being a 3rd wheel. I might have felt alone, but I really wasn’t. They’d all check on me, you know send a text or call to let me know they were thinking of me.
Anita Baker Concert
Back to my plan. So I got an email a couple months ago that the incomparable songstress, Anita Baker will be in concert. There is no question about it. I’m going. Don’t you know my mom would play Anita’s music when I was a child. I grew to appreciate her music. It was even in middle school that I purchased her single on cassette “Body and Soul”. Back then I didn’t know anything about love, but the way she sung, I was just in awe and the piano in the background, oh my goodness. I even got the album from which the single was featured Rhythm of Love.
I went to the concert on Friday in Atlanta. Her voice is amazing. She started what I thought was a song, then she’d carry those notes only to say “I don’t know the next song I’m going to sing.” That was beautiful. The crowd absolutely adored her. Even sung most of the songs. Everything was going great. Only emotion I was going to show was excitement and happiness. And silliness by singing also.
Well when she sung “Just Because”, it became a tribute to some musicians who have passed away. It started with Luther Vandross. Another favorite. Then Natalie Cole, Maurice White, David Bowie, and Prince. Ugh, then flood gates opened and released streams of tears. I never would have thought to make that a tribute song. Instantly I thought of my mother as I sat still and listened to the actual words of the song. I listened to all of those artists because of her and the words were touching. I love her just because. Emotions more than words can help me say I love you. When I’d hug her all I know is when I’m in her arms it feels so right. (These are words to the song and expressing how I feel).
Choir Showcase
Now tonight I’m going to the Choir Showcase. It’s an annual event where
local church choirs sing and compete on Mother’s Day in Charleston, SC. It keeps me busy. I get to praise and worship the Lord.
Last year the national recording artists Travis Greene and Donald Lawrence were singing and ministering. It was a great time. As Donald was singing ‘Blessing of Abraham” it brought back a memory of my mother. That was the ringtone she had on her phone for phone calls. Oh it made me happy and sad at the same time. I felt for a moment, “Wow my mom is here with me.” I’m so glad I have memories. Little things make me happy when I think about her on Mother’s Day. Like the photo attached to this post. How fitting. At my wedding instead of having her picture present, in her absence I had a dozen white roses placed in the chair where she would’ve sat.
If your mother isn’t physically here anymore, and you are experiencing difficulty coping I hope this post gives you hope that your days will get better. Maybe you’ll be inspired not to be sad, reflect on the love you had and will always have for your mother. 🙂