“Of all the special joys in life, the big ones and the small, a mother’s love and tenderness is the greatest
gift of all.”
It was the most perfect Mother’s Day. We had an outdoor brunch in honor of three mothers: our daughter Michelle, her mother and my beloved wife Cecile, Kyle and brother Chip’s mother Kim. Also, our special thoughts went out to Al’s mom, Dana Chien, who was unable to attend.
Cecile prepared a mixed assortment of empanadas, and cheese blintzes, Kyle barbecued Chicken apple sausages and Italian sausages, and made a pitcher of Mimosa with fresh orange juice from the local farmers market with pressed cranberry juice after the one Cecile was a hit. We also served bagels with lox and cream cheese, fresh cut veggies for dipping that Michelle brought, and Kim brought the most delicious cakes from Manresa Bakery for dessert. After dessert the moms opened their gifts.
As usual, our granddaughters supplied non-stop entertainment. Their Nonnie Cecile and Papa Dennis gifted them each a hand-held bubble machine to enjoy and keep them busy. Lyla asked if I would put on our Roman fountain in our back patio, which I happily obliged. After a while she and Emmy decided emerge themselves into the fountain as it were a kiddie pool and sprayed the two plaster cherubs and lion head. Later they turned their targets to our sliding glass door, then each other, and lastly took aim at some of us at the table.
In closing, I would like to dedicate the following short poem by Kelly Roper which rings true for me and our children Michelle and Jason.
“A heart full of love,
A head filled with wisdom,
Gentle hands that had soothed our children,
Lips that always speak the truth with kindness,
A beautiful soul filled with goodness and light.
What more could a man ask for in a wife and the
Mother of his children?
To me, you are perfection,
On Mother’s Day and every day."
