The Royal Blue Bathrobe
“What do you want for Mother’s Day, Ma?” My daughter stood looking at me expectantly.
I gave my usual “gift” answer. “I don’t want you to spend your money on me. You don’t need to get me anything.” Or better yet: “All I want from you and your brother is for you not to fight with each other for the entire day.”
More or less expecting this answer, she shrugged and walked away. Knowing that I would be asked the same question several more times, I didn’t give it any more thought… until this morning that is.
I opened a closet, glanced up at the shelf and saw it… a royal blue bathrobe. Nothing special or fancy, just a floor-length, wrap-around bathrobe. Memories flooded my mind.
Christmas 1975. My mother had spent most of the fall in and out of the hospital, but was going to be home for Christmas. I wanted to buy her something special. I saw the robe at a local department store. It was the perfect gift. The price was steep, but I knew she was worth every penny.
Christmas morning arrived and I handed her the huge, gift-wrapped box. I could tell she was surprised as she opened the package and took out the robe.
“You shouldn’t have spent this much on me!” she chided. “I don’t want you spending money on me!”
I looked at her quietly for a moment.
“Mother, I didn’t think you would even be alive this Christmas. Buying you this gift is the LEAST I could do.”
Mother died five months later.
I don’t have cancer or any other life-threatening disease. But I also don’t have a guarantee as to the number of days I’ll have on earth. Giving to others is a joy, one I want to teach my children.
The next time one of my kids says “Hey, Ma, what do you want for Mother’s Day”, I’ll say, “Just surprise me.”
Then again… the thought of no fighting between them for an entire day sure sounds good!
5 comments:
Oh my, I'd forgotten about the blue bathroom story. :(
Happy Mother's Day Sis!
Trish, the boys and I celebrated by seeing "Star Trek" today! Totally awesome movie!
\/ "Live long and prosper" :)
That was a great story, Kelly. Thanks for reposting it.
A bittersweet memory, Kelly, and you told it so well.
This is lovely, Kelly. I am not a very good gift giver and an even worse gift receiver. You reminded me that, even thought it might not be our nature, sometimes receiving graciously is a gift in itself.
(I know your mother would be very proud of you).
Cara gave me a mother's day card showing two children duking it out in a bathtub. Inside it says "Happy Mother's day to the referee that kept us from killing each other."
Cara is going to spend the summer at her brother's house, working in Allentown. They get along great now that they are all grown up.
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