A little bit about moms........

Hello dearhearts,

I wanted to share these sweet little baby geese with you.  It seemed appropriate, being so close to Mother's Day.  I have been in awe of the two Canadian geese we have that come back year after year.  The mother has a bad leg and we have always wondered if she would make it back each year.  But she keeps hanging in there, coming back, year after year.  And with her mate they have hatched several babies for us to enjoy.

They are very protective of the babies and clearly committed to raising the babies together.  When they come up out of our pond and sit in the shade daddy stands sentry, off to the side, while mommy and babies feed and clean their feathers.  When I got closer to take pictures, the daddy got quite upset with me and did a lot of "hissing".  Eventually, after moving slowly and talking to him, he did let me get fairly close (bribed with crackers as well, lol).

I noticed later when they were back in the pond how the mother swam in front, with the babies in the middle, and the father holding up the rear.  My parents have certainly supported me through all of the easy times as well as the tough times.  My mom has been a strong influence in my life and when people say how much I remind them of my mom, I am always flattered.  I have learned so much from her, not only in how to raise my own children, but more recently in how to deal with chronic pain.  I continue to be amazed at how she copes with both M.S. and fibromyalgia, and continues to provide love and support to our family.  She shows a quiet dignity in dealing with her challenges while at the same time knowing how to set her limitations.  I've learned from her that we all have to be advocates for our own healthcare.  My mom is truly my hero and I am sure many of you will identify with that statement.  How similar mom's are across the ages and even in the animal world.  When injured or in pain or dealing with  life's challenges, our moms continue to be there for us!

I am blessed to have been able to spend Mother's Day with my mom and thankful for every year that I continue to have that luxury.  I hope that you all enjoyed a beautiful day yesterday and felt the "God like" love that only a mom can give.  Whether she is here with you or has made that journey to be with our Lord, her immense and undying love lives on for eternity..........

Love and blessings to you all!

Mary Anne