I was 13 yrs. old and it was the end of my 8th grade year at Dover Jr. High School in Dover, Nh. Believe it or not, in those days, we had what was called an "Eighth Grade Prom". All of the girls would get dressed up in cute dresses and the boys would wear suits and ties. It was a very exciting time and I remember being so excited to go. My mother and I shopped for a dress that would be perfect for the occasion. I found the most beautiful ivory lace and silk dress that, to me, was "The Dress". Unfortunately "The Dress" was a little pricey and my mom could not afford it. Of course I understood and we kept looking. We didn't have any luck locating another dress that would suffice so we went home with a plan to try again tomorrow. The next day I rushed home with new positive intentions to find another, more affordable "The Dress" with my mother. I ran upstairs and went in my closet to grab something before we advanced on our quest and hanging right there in front of me, I kid you not, glowing in magical wonder, was "The Dress"! Now "My Dress!" I screeched with joy and ran to find my mother. "Mom, Thank-You, Thank-You, Thank-You, I can't believe you bought this for me!" She just grinned and looked at me with her loving eyes and said "I'm so glad your happy." I have no idea what my mom had to go without because she bought me that dress. As a child, we don't think about those things and as a loving mother she didn't want me to. My mom has 6 children and I cannot fathom how she was able to make each and every one of us feel special in our own little ways. She was creative, kind, loving and always available. You knew that if you called she would pick up the phone. Her life was not easy, but her kids always, always, always came first. I honestly could write a book about my mom, she's one of strongest woman I know. She is a quiet warrior in her own right, the mother of 6, the grandmother of 20, great-grandmother of 3 and 1 on the way! I am so grateful for my mom, more than words could ever express.
So, as we continue into May and reflect on our moms, my hope for everyone this Mother's Day is to remember the "The Little Things".
I would like to say "Happy Mother's Day" to all of the hardworking, loving, caring devoted mother's out there and leave you with one of my favorite quotes,
"Sometimes The Smallest Things Take up The Most Room In our Hearts." Winnie The Pooh.
Julie Fortier