Mother's Day....The Call

Well, it finally happened. For the first time in all my years of motherhood, I was not with all of my dear children for this sacred holiday called Mother's Day. For the past 21 Mother's Days I have been privileged to see each of my beloved children face to face on this most auspicious of days. But this year, things were different. Something was missing, as I knew it would be...not bad, but different. This morning I beheld three of my sweet children, received all sorts of goodies & treats. I was given a book of poems by my youngest, even a hand-made cup & saucer from my eldest. Lunch was wonderful, cause I didn't have to cook or clean it.  All now treasures in my sentimental heart. But what made it complete was the call. That much anticipated moment when my cell phone lit up, a hint that a call was coming through.  I dropped everything & stared into that screen, waiting...finally the ring sounded. Did I let it ring twice? I don't think so! On the other end of that call was my Marine, my boy, wishing me a Happy Mother's Day. This time he calls from training school. Next year...who knows where he will be? Now I understand & never will I take for granted that I always have my kids gathered under my roof for Mother's Day. I will long to hear from them, all the same. My heart goes out to all those whose children are unable to call, or, God forbid, unwilling. I've shed a tear today for all the birth mothers out there who may not receive a call. As an adoptive mother, I get that. I grieve for those moms who have lost their beloved children too soon.  Never again will I take it for granted.  I'll be reminding all my friends to call their mothers. Because that's the way it should be. You just never know when life will change & you can't go back. By the way, have you called your mama?