Mother's Day and Miss Rhapsody in Blue

Mother's Day was as usual a very special day for me. It started with Jared shoving me back into bed with firm directions to stay there. Brian came and took my order (he just wrote the first letter of everything I wanted like "O" for omlete, "F" for fruit, etc.). While it was being made was my favorite time. Just sitting in my bed, writing down my thoughts in my journal, reading a good book -- that part never lasts long enough. Then, the crew comes bursting through the door with delicious food! I ate a huge breakfast on a Winnie the Pooh tray and all my kids jumping on the bed around me (I seriously think that is the only time they've been on the bed all year. I was feeling generous, I suppose). The food was perfect -- who knew of Jared's secret culinary skills! The omlete was pack with veggies and flavor, the fruit was ripe and perfectly cut, the bread was fresh... Mmmmm. I loved the homemade gifts the kids made for me (I'm wearing the shrinky dink Brian gave me right now!). I didn't know I had a soft spot for homemade gifts, but something about Mother's Day brings that out in me. Jared spoiled me with many generous gifts and I appreciate and love every one!

We invited many families over for dinner that night and as usual I loved having a full house. We used my Grandma Melba's china which got me thinking a lot about my Grandma who passed away a few years ago. I got out her album and have devoured her life story and rich photographs today. Wow, what a woman! I only remember as being older, strict, and always having order all around her. It was amazing to imagine her as a young girl, leaving her home of Rexburg, Idaho to work her way to performing at the Roxy Theater on Broadway. She known as "Miss Rhapsody in Blue" was the star of the number with the same name. She was painted in metallic blue paint, and danced to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with a 32 girl chorus behind her. Her name was on the marquee as simply: Melba. She was a one-named star!



Her story is so rich, so varied, so full of ups and downs that I cannot possibly relate it all. But, for her to trade all the parties, spotlight, and standing ovations for a life in Scarsdale, NY as a wife and mother of two speaks volumes to me about motherhood. She writes in her life story:

"Suddenly my life was no longer mine. Upon [Brian's] birth, my time and feelings were relegated to second and even third place, for there was always my life as a wife to Eddie. Oh, how I loved them both!"

I've felt that so many times. My needs and wants have been on a list pushed somewhere in the back of my head, while the needs of my husband and three kids have been put first. Needless to say, there are many times I've resented that, but after reading my Grandma Melba's perspective I've realized it is truly something to celebrate.

As I tucked my kids into bed last night, I just cried with gratitude that I get to do this job called "Mother". I wouldn't trade it for anything, nor trust anyone else to do it for me. I love it more as the years pass. It has forced me to serve and finally I can say I like it, even love it! I appreciate that Jared has allowed me to do this and supported our family so I can be the mother I want to be. I love it more as the years pass. It has forced me to serve and finally I can say I like it, even love it!