A Tribute to Strong Mothers
As I write this article about Mother’s Day, I am reminded of the two strong women that my husband and I are lucky to call our mothers. However, sometimes Mother’s Day is not the easiest of holidays, so I dedicated this to those who struggle with Mother’s Day: those who have lost their mothers, mothers who have lost their children, women who long to be mothers but are unable to. You are not alone, and I am thinking of each and every one of you.
My mom, Carol, is full of strength and love for her family. She has always been my biggest cheerleader and supporter. When I chosen as the 2023 Teacher of the Year for the school district I work in and Cottages and Bungalows’ 2024 Brand Ambassador, her pride for my accomplishments made these two monumental moments in my life even better. Her strength has been tested this year and she continues to amaze me. We lost my brother in October of 2023, and watching my mother mourn the loss of her son has been the most difficult journey for me. Through her intense grief, my mother shows grace and love for those around her very single day. She is a grandmother of three and is the matriarch of our family.
Unfortunately, we lost my mother-in-law, Deborah, in November of 2021 to her battle with the horrible disease ALS. I met Jameson’s mother three years prior, and even as she lay in a hospital bed, losing more and more mobility, she never once in the many visits with her and getting to know her, did she stop fighting to be with her family and the unwavering love for her children flowed from her to the end.
This day can be filled with grief and pain for many. This year as a family, Jameson and I will celebrate the memories of a woman who loved her three children enough to fight as long as she did, and we will remember my brother and support my grieving mother.
When I set a table or decorate, I always want a statement piece, and the table lined with vintage gardening book pages fits the bill.
To keep with the gardening theme, I chose zinnias, because they give off wildflower garden vibes. I wanted something whimsical, and I loved their bright, beautiful colors. I filled a simple ironstone pitcher at the antiques shop with the flowers and placed two zinnia stems at each setting for a personal touch and to add their gorgeous pops of color throughout the table.
I used sage-green, buffalo-check linen napkins and added brass candle holders with tapered candles and smaller votive candles for a cozy glow.
Your menu should always fit the theme, and since we are focusing on vintage garden I would celebrate Mom with a traditional Afternoon Tea menu consisting of fresh finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, pastries and, of course, tea. To be a bit more creative, I might replace that traditional hot tea with an iced tea or even mimosas. I would also consider a waffle bar with all the toppings: berries, chocolate chips, whipped cream. Or you could host a traditional sitdown meal consisting of your mom’s favorite entrees.
Whatever direction you go in celebrating the special mother or mother figure in your life, do so out of love and gratitude for the difference they have made in your life.