Carnations for Mother’s Day

My mother first told me about carnations and Mother’s Day. My grandmothers both loved carnations; my father’s mother grew her own. They required special conditions and she made the effort. My mother’s mother loved all flowers but peonies were her favorite. They bloom later in May in Ohio but she would try to coax a couple to bloom early and have them on her dining room table.

I have loved carnations since I was small, especially pink ones. They are the most like the pink peonies my grandmother grew in abundance and, along with the old-fashioned white ones, remain my favorite flowers.

Anna Jarvis, who campaigned to have a national Mother’s Day more than a century ago, sent 500 white carnations to the church where her mother taught Sunday School and asked each mother be given one. Since then, the meaning has been expanded for many of us. Mother told me that you wore a corsage made of white carnations if your mother was dead, red carnations if your mother was living and you were a mother, and pink carnations if your mother was living but you had no children. I think it was some florist’s idea so young girls could wear a corsage to church like their mothers did so they could sell more corsages. I like the idea; wearing flowers that smell so pretty always makes me smile.

This year I got tulips from my younger son and his wife. My older son and his family are with me so I get kisses and hugs daily; there’s no need just now for special remembrances.

My granddaughter’s classroom teacher thought way ahead. Her class planted small containers with flowers several weeks ago. She gave her mother, my daughter-in-love, something very pretty and living today after she made a sign reading “best mom chair” and led her mom there with her eyes closed. She is so sweet.

I am blessed. Had I worn a corsage this weekend to church, it would have been red carnations. My mother is in her 90^th year and still active and loving. I spoke with her today and she is excited about her life celebration planned next month. My younger son called and my older son gave me multiple hugs and wished me a happy day.

I know my heavenly Father is pleased when we take time to honor our mothers. He made women in a special way, strong yet vulnerable, caring but asking the best of their children, looking to the future yet cherishing the present. I believe the woman in Proverbs 31 is a mother and her support of her husband and work for her family is inspiring. I know she was not perfect but I also know she looked to God to strengthen her for her tasks and to redeem her shortcomings. Her trust is placed in His grace to make the future what is best not just what is good.

Today, I am remembering the past, I am cherishing the present and I am looking forward to the future with faith knowing that He who has been faithful will continue as He cannot change. My family’s best days are ahead and I rejoice in His promise of blessing.