{Mother's Day Crowning}

Happy Mother's Day

I have to admit when I went to bed last night I was a little sad about waking up on Mother’s Day morning. I knew that I would be waking up without My Jay (there has only been one Mother’s Day that he has missed). I also knew that for the first time I would not be spending Mother’s Day with my mom. This one was tough for me to handle. Mother’s Day has always been about my mom. We don’t ever do anything extravagant but the point was never to do anything extravagant it was simply a day to be with my mom.

Last week, the kids and I made our way down to the Hallmark store. We have so many special mommy’s and grandmas in our lives. We picked out a few cards for those special moms. As I helped my children pick out their cards for their Grammy and their Nana, my heart started to ache just a little. I realized as I helped my kids find the perfect cards, that this is the first Mother’s Day that I would not be picking out my own special card for my own grandma. I took a moment to read through some cards. I found one that I would have gotten for her if she were still with us today. I read it silently to myself. I think part of me was reading it to her. Grandmas are pretty wonderful to have. I reminded my kids to put a little extra love in their cards before we sealed them and mailed them off.

We started our day earlier than usual. I can’t share why just yet but please know that the surprise will be well worth it when it’s all said and done.

When I woke up this morning, I woke up to little brown eyes looking at me. My son was lying in bed with a big grin on his face. The first words out of his mouth were “Happy Mother’s Day Mommy!” He gave me a big kiss and a big hug and then said “today is your day because you are my mommy and today is Mother’s Day. Can you open your present NOW!”

Our morning was pretty amazing. I can’t think of a better way to spend my day than to be surrounded by my 3 favorite kids in the whole wide world and to be doing something for our favorite guy in the whole wide world made it that much better.

By 11:30, we made our way to church. This past week, Bryanna was asked to participate in the May Crowning. The month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. As a special tribute, a crown of flowers is placed around her head. Bryanna was asked to place the crown of flowers on Mary's statue during Mass.

We were all in for quite the surprise. Monsignor took today’s celebration and honored our family. It was completely unexpected and left me speechless and in tears. Not only did Monsignor recognize the four of us but he also recognized Jason. Before mass was started, he mentioned Bryanna. I was asked to bring the flowers into the church to hand out to all of the children. Travin picked up the flowers and placed them inside of the vases that were standing next to Mary’s statue. Bryanna and Kalyssa followed the procession into the church. Kalyssa held the pillow with the crown of flowers. Once they all reached the alter, Bryanna took the crown from the pillow and placed it on Mary’s head. It was absolutely beautiful! Monsignor then took the time to introduce Bryanna.

These were his words:

"This is Bryanna. She recently made her First Communion here at Holy Trinity. Her daddy is currently deployed in Afghanistan. This is his family and that is his lovely wife standing in the second row. They are a precious family and we here at Holy Trinity love them."

There was no way for me to stop the tears from falling down my face.

The kids and I offered the gifts before communion and then led the procession out of the church at the end of mass. In all of my life, I could never have imagined being honored as a family like that. I am truly hoping that Jason was able to watch our family on the church webcam.

To My Jay:

If you were watching, know that all of this was for YOU! We would not be where we are as a family without you! We love you so much and miss you more than words could ever begin to describe. Come home soon!