It’s almost Mother’s Day again and that means that the lucky moms among us are likely to receive delightful greeting cards, sentimental gifts, maybe even some handmade tokens of love. And if you’re like me, you’ll have a hard time ever parting with these precious keepsakes.
I used to save EVERYTHING — my own dear mother dubbed me a “pack rat” — especially when it came from my kids! And now that my Ben and Katie are all grown up, these saved memories are especially poignant.
It’s hard to think of anything that means more to us than receiving cards from our children. The beautiful artwork and sentiments touch our hearts, making us feel loved and appreciated.
If you’re as sentimental as I am, you might enjoy re-reading these heartfelt messages more than once through the years. Keeping greeting cards tucked away in a safe place allows us revisit those warm feelings whenever we need to, especially when we’re having a bad day.
Words really do mean everything. They get to the truth of how we feel about the people we love. (If you need help with what to write in a Mother’s Day card for your own mother, you can find some helpful suggestions here.)
In addition to greeting cards, I also saved report cards, photos from every grade in school, art masterpieces, scrapbooks from family vacations, even old Christmas lists the kids made for Santa. And then there are the handmade gift items — crafts made in school, macaroni necklaces, clay pots and trinket boxes. All of these are such sweet reminders of those days that passed all too fast.
One of my personal favorite mementos is a sticky note I found on my desk many years ago. As a single mom, I had just started my own design business working from a drawing table in the corner of my bedroom. My kids watched me put in long hours juggling family and the demands of my new enterprise. So my daughter, Katie, surprised me with the most thoughtful message!
Katie’s note was a touching reminder for me. A reminder to enjoy each and every day… and not take things too seriously. I taped that note to the front of my planner where it remained for many years.
I still need this same reminder today. I think we all do.
Now that my daughter is a mom herself, she is passing on her thoughtfulness to her 20-month-old son, Sam. So far, I have received a Christmas reindeer made from Sam’s footprint and a finger-painted Valentine heart. Can’t wait to see what kind of treat Mother’s Day brings! Now that I am a grandmother, I get to start saving treasures from the next generation, too.
Moms, I hope you treasure each keepsake from your kids and every happy memory from the years that fly by too fast!
And as my daughter Katie would remind you, “Relax and enjoy today.”
Happy Mother’s Day!
All My Best,
Kathy
For 28 years, Kathy Davis has been the trusted voice of heartfelt connection. We can always count on her for the right words to offer comfort, share joy and celebrate life’s moments, big and small, which is why she continues to be a great friend and content partner.
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