Whiskey Barrels of Fun

Today was mother's day, usually reserved to keep the card/ chocolate/ flower industries in business. I can't lie. Part of me wanted a beautiful bouquet or masterfully written poetic card. Once again in my life, my expectations were not met... but reality exceeded anything I could've ever imagined.

The day began with Daddy allowing me to sleep in an extra 25 minutes!!! We went to the 8:45am mass at our churn. You were put in the nursery for a peaceful worship experience. All the mommies were blessed. We were even given marigolds upon our exit. You colored pictures for me in nursery which was just wonderful. We had breakfast/ brunch at Panera with our neighbors. You flirted with a little boy around your age at the next table. We talked and sipped our hot beverages. You had juice. It was relaxing.

I think the best part of the day was when we returned home. You, me and Daddy all cuddled in our bed together. We got to just be with each other. We laughed, we lounged, we remembered what it was like to be together before you became distracted by the world. We used to spend weekend mornings together like this before you learned walked. It felt so good to cuddle like this again. You went down for a nap and Daddy let me nap too as he did all the yard work!!! Glorious! We got up to go to my parents for dinner, and as I walked outside to the car, there they were. My whiskey barrels!!! I had wanted these for a long time to grow strawberries in. You and Daddy had searched all over Maryland and had found some! I was so surprised and tickled that the two of you had conspired to do this for me!

Then when I got into the car, I found a note (on a card I had bought for thank you notes for your birthday). It said:
Dear Mommy,
Ever since I came into this world you have been there for me. I want you to know that I appreciate everything you do for me. I want you to know that even though sometimes it is alot to take care of, you do it because you love me and I love you for it. I want you to plant berries in the planters so we can watch them grow, just like me.
Love,
Nora

Flowers are nice, chocolate is even better. A fancy brunch would have been appreciated. But nothing could have been better than those whiskey barrels and note. It's not the store bought, pre-packaged items that made my heart jump or eyes swell up with tears. It's the knowledge of how blessed I am with love from my family. I am so humbled by this love you and Daddy have for me. It gives me strength. Thank you.