Jambalaya and Unicorns

Six months ago, my eldest son, Ian, made the commitment to meatless eating.  He had been mulling over a vegetarian lifestyle for some time, and finally took the plunge.  

He came to me yesterday, which was Mother's Day, and offered to make me dinner.  Listen, if anyone wants to cook for me, I am not about to turn them down!

He brought me his Vegan cookbook, and opened it to a recipe he was hoping I would like.  It was Vegan Jambalaya.  Now, as far as I know, I have never eaten Jambalaya.  I wasn't even sure what it was!  I am not the most adventurous eater, but upon looking through the list of ingredients, I was pretty sure this one would be a winner.

Since it was Mother's Day, and Ian had dinner covered, I decided to retire to my bedroom for a little nap.  

I sprawled out on my bed, with Raphael curled up against my legs, and watched the last two episodes of a Netflix documentary.

The fragrant aroma of bell peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes filled the air.  I could hear John and Ian talking as they worked on putting the Jambalaya together.  Pots and pans clanked, and oil sizzled.  I lazed in bed, feeling free, knowing I didn't have to clean up the mess they were making.  All I had to do was show up and eat. Bliss.

Finally, the food was finished.  I got up, feeling refreshed, and scooped up a plateful of the Jambalaya.  Yum!  It was superb--two thumbs up! The flavors blended well, and the vegan sausage was a pretty convincing substitute for the "real" thing.  That is saying a lot because I am definitely a carnivore.  What a thoughtful Mother's Day gift!

Earlier in the day, after Mass, our Director Of Religious Ed handed me this book.

  

I just started reading it, and it touches on so much of what it means to be a woman--specifically a mother.  If any of my readers are interested, contact me and I'll give you info so you can get a copy for yourself.  Its a fast and easy read, as I got through the first chapter in a few minutes, even with writing notes in the margins.  *Thanks, Rosemary!

Moms are the heartbeat of the world.  As our bodies need a pulse to live, so the human race needs mothers. 

My own mother is 89 years old, but acts like she's 30!  She and Dad spent the afternoon with us, sitting and talking about everything.  Some of my kids had to go to work yesterday, but the ones who didn't were home to join in on the fun.  

My kids gifted me with hugs, heartfelt cards, flowers, candy, a dancing llama, and unicorn foam lotion.  (Yes, that last thing is a "thing".) 

Us moms are good "tightrope" walkers.  From the first moments of morning sickness, to the time we reach old age.  We struggle to do the best we can in all sorts of circumstances.  Staying balanced on that rope is a lifelong challenge!

I still feel so helpless at times, and wonder how 31 years of motherhood hasn't yet made me into a Supermom with superhero powers.  I continue to doubt myself at times...oftentimes, actually.  

I recall the mistakes I made, the errors in judgement, the times I was too hard on them--or too soft.

I wonder if I'm to blame when they fall, and if I have harmed them with my inept ways.  

Did I do enough?  Did I do too much?  Was I attentive enough?  Did I show them enough love?

There are memories seared into my soul of when I completely failed my children.  Like a brand of fiery steel upon my very heart, I sometimes relive the times I was short tempered, impatient, unsympathetic, and distant.  I pray that they can forgive me for those things, because I am still working on forgiving myself.  

I had a good Mother's Day.  I hope my mom did, too.  Every mom deserves a hug, a flower, a kiss, a card.  Moms burn out.  We lose heart sometimes, we doubt, we worry about our children.  A hug, a card, or a flower...any sign of appreciation is like a rain shower on thirsty, parched flower.  

And, don't forget the power of a home cooked meal...meatless or not...a little R and R with Netflix, or unicorn foam lotion!