My Nickel’s Worth

I have heard my mom say many times that we should always make every day magical. I just thought that sounded like a fairytale thing, and I didn’t pay much attention until the other day. I was talking to my friend from college, and he was discussing how he had to come home from middle school and high school and do hours of chores and start dinner with his brother and sister. He said his mom didn’t believe in making a fuss over holidays or birthdays. She was no-nonsense and a very practical person. It was at that moment I began to realize just how magical my life had been.

My mom always made our food and waited on us like we were at a restaurant. She always made our favorite foods. We always had dessert in the house. She planned fun weekends, vacations, and sometimes camp outs in the backyard. When my friends came over, we had video marathons with cool snacks, and my mom celebrated everything--even half birthdays.

When we were sick, she took care of us like a nurse on call. She read adventurous stories to us, watched sports with me, and would save for months to take me to meet a famous baseball player or get practice tickets to an NBA game. She made me a Batman costume just to play in when I was little, and often surprised me by bringing lunch to school for me. We played fun games in the car on long car rides, and she and my dad took us to laser tag and bowling when I am sure she wanted to go on a getaway with my dad instead. She never complained. In fact, the two times my parents went on anniversary trips without us, they turned around and came back and then took us with them!

We went to the Christmas train, always drove through the Fantasy of Lights at Christmas, and found ways to surprise others with thoughtful gifts, goodies, and cards. But my mom always reminded me that I was a gift from God, and I always knew I was cherished and not a burden. My mom taught us God’s Word and instilled in us a desire to be kind to others. But most of all, my mom allowed me to be a carefree kid who felt loved and wanted. This gave me the confidence to follow my dreams and trust God with my life.

The other day I read a social media post written by a mom who was ready for school to start back in the fall.

Even after working all day, my mom would come home and spend the rest of her evening making my time at home relaxing and special.

I hope the children in your life feel like treasures and not burdens. Let life be a little magical and enjoy every day which is a gift.