Moms, Grandmas and Greatgrandmas

This Mother's Day had me thinking of all the great moms I have in my life; as well as the great ones that have passed away into the next life.

Grandma, me, Taylor, Mom

When I went to visit Brian on the Army base with the girls last weekend, I lost an earring when speaking on the phone. It really made me miss my Grandma Call. Why? Well... every time she would take a phone call, Grandma would take off her clip-on earring so it wouldn't clatter against the phone. We had a spot in the drawer for all her lone jewelery. I know everywhere she went, there must have been dozens of earrings left all over the country. My Great-Grandma lived to be 103 years old and still worked the farm well into her 90's, so when Grandma Call passed away a few years ago from a sudden stroke, just as I was beginning to appreciate all that she had done and what an amazing lady she was. Grandma was never afraid to try just about anything; from riding a Harley to every shade of hair color known to the rainbow. She was a great cook and singer, she loved to camp and play card games and stay up late telling stories.

Grandma Call on her horse

Thinking about her cooking made me think about my Abuela Rincon, who lives in Mexico. I was so glad to get to see her last summer, and although we can't communicate very well, the love she feels for her family is amazing. She has always shown the love she has for everyone by cooking, A LOT, All the time :) It never fails, as soon as you walk in the door, she is in the kitchen making something to fill your belly. Abuela used to live with my parents much of the time and so there was never a reason to go hungry. She is so amazing to still be alive at 92+ years and really still going. Mom goes to Mexico for several weeks each year to stay with her and take care of her since Abuela and Abuelo are too old to travel safely anymore.

Abuela helping feed calves

That brought me to thinking how wonderful my own mom is. Here she is, giving up her hard earned vacation and leaving Utah during the only time of the year that she is not cold, to go and take care of her parents. Not to mention, the years and years that she would have them stay with her at our house for three to six months at a time. My mom follows that same cut of fabric in trying to feed everyone who wanders by or suggests that they might come to the house for more than 10 seconds. Again, no reason to go hungry or be without friends when my mom is around. Mom is great to come over to our house a few days each week after she gets off work and help my girls with their homework and extra learning, reading, and play time. It means so much to me to know that she wants and takes an active role in their lives. It makes me a little sad that I didn't get to know my grandmas as well as my kids know theirs.

Chris' Grandparents came out from Wisconsin this weekend and all the kids and grand kids got to spend a little time with them the last few days. It was a little hectic, but well worth the effort to get to see them again, hopefully they will be able to come out again soon.

Four Generations of Bensons

That said, I think all the Moms and Grandmas in our family had a pleasant Mother's Day this last weekend, and if I haven't said it enough; THANK YOU for all that you do for us and WE LOVE YOU!