A moment back in time... on Mother's Day

Everyone, this is my mom, Agatha. (pronounced A Ga Tha, not Aye Gatha)

I grew up on a 40 acre dairy farm. 

I don't remember having fancy things, however I remember living in an old farmhouse, plenty of space to run, a never ending supply of food on the table and above all else, love. Lots and lots of love.

The old homestead has long been sold and changed over the years. The grounds use to be loaded with flowering trees and gardens that never quit. The house itself  use to wear a peach colour. We teased my mom about our 'pink house' but she called it 'peach' and loved it. :)

My bedroom was on the upper left side, overlooking that tall tree. I had a great view of the cows and horses in the pasture and mountains that surrounded us.

Dear friends, take lots and LOTS of photos of your home before you move. Then save them for your kids. How I wish I had an album right about now to scan and share. Maybe we do! I'll have to investigate.

Our dairy farm was deemed after the name of our road. I was fortunate to capture the old farm sign from the yard that I now proudly display safely inside my own home. This is the single most valuable piece I have of my parents to date and is priceless. The sign will never leave the family. Ever.

(a video of a table scape made from the sign... warning... may make you cry - original table scape post is HERE)

And this is exactly where that sign use to reside. Our side yard was in actuality a field, however we mowed it like a lawn. But we paid no attention to fussy things like lawn treatment such as weed and feed. The lawn was gorgeous when in full dandelion bloom!

I suppose that's why I love dandelions today. And old farm houses, simple non fussy meals on the table, cows, horses, front porches, and leisurely bike rides on country roads.

Most of all, I love a special lady that always had warm hugs and tender words. She hurt easily and didn't like to argue (like someone else I know). She just preferred to enjoy life, her family around her, and taught me how to appreciate very simple things.

One of my mom's  favorite things to do when she use to visit at my own previous farmhouse was to sit on our porch. After mom moved from the farm, I was fortunate to live in a place that was so similar to our farmland, she felt right at home and would visit all weekend helping me with a then baby son.

One of their favorite things to do on my own farm was to walk the land and investigate and collect loose bark off the trees. Or build things with rocks and sticks. Or I'd bring her a fresh hot coffee while she sat on the edge of the sand box. Very very special days.

When I moved to my current home, mom had a hard time driving, so we went to her place instead. What a blessing and wonderful plan to move closer to her! But as her health start to decline, I pulled my son out of swimming lessons for a year and spent that time with her at her own condo pool instead.

I'm so glad we did. I remember very clearing the last time we swam there. I kept looking at her, loving her more than ever. I thought, "Will this be the last time we enjoy you here?" And then she left us.

It was a really sad time for she was my very best friend. But at the same time the tears came, I just felt intense joy. She missed my dad every single day they were apart. No more! They had the ultimate life on earth and it just got better for them. That knowledge in itself is what keeps me going and thinking of them both with a smile in my heart. And excited to see them again.

gorgeous artwork by blog friend Christine of Jaz Creations

original post is HERE

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms that are here now, and those that we are remembering.

I couldn't let the day slip by without doing something special with 'my mom'. Facebookers caught a glimpse. I'll fill you in soon. Our day is far from over. :)

What's a favorite memory you have of your mom?