"M" is For...

Today's Sunday phone call home was especially sweet. Mom and I each sat outside enjoying spring, she in a breezy porch in Northfield , and I on a sunny patio in Seattle.

She reminded me of a fun tradition in elementary school, where thoughtful teachers organize a craft to surprise their students' moms for Mother's Day. I suppose most teachers know how much a homespun gift means to a parent. Just think about your basement or attic for a minute. Surely the things that remain include that clumsy acrostic poem from 3rd grade, the tinsel Christmas ornament (made on the top of a peanut butter jar), and a faded "Thumb-Bunny Loves You" finger print card.

Mom, on this our 28th Mother's Day as mama and daughter, here's a little poem for you. Clumsy? A little – but what acrostic isn't? I guess you'll have to print it and add it to the box downstairs.

"M" is for the mountains of love you show me,
"O" is for your "eau" - perfume of gold,
"T" is for the terrific songs you sang me,
"H" is for your hugs, which never grow old;
"E" for your exuberance, which leaves me pining,
"R" means right, and right you'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"
A word that means the world to me.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you.

Oh, and here's the link to the veggie burger concept we tried last night. Give them plenty of time to cool in the fridge and they'll firm up. You and Daddy will love them.