Mother’s Day approached. Wowee. Am a single mom with 2 small boys and I wondered how they were gonna cope with it all. I must admit I did feel a trifle sorry for myself as the impending day approached. My own mom lives in another province so I couldn’t even disappear into her mommy-ish arms for the day.

I felt so so far away from her. Like time and space suddenly expanded exponentially and maternal bonds were being pushed to their limit. No mommy morning sighs to have breakfast with. No motherly advice over Sunday lunches packed with an oven-roasts-worth-of-feel-good-soul-home-magic.  And no sundowner cocktails to get ‘motherless’ over!

I organized to get her a present through my sis who lives near her…but that just didn’t feel good enough. So I (being the quote slut that I am)  decided to send her a quote every hour throughout the day… so that she would know that I wasn’t just paying  Happy Mother’s Day lip service to her.
The Sunday morning crept into my heart and forced my eyelids open. I could hear movement from the boys' bedroom. I lay still as hushed whispers (that could certainly have woken up an entire Buddhist monestry), emanated as they went down to the kitchen. About 20 minutes later, Ben walked in with a tall glass of water and Seb marched in behind him carrying a plate with a peanut butter sandwich placed on it. My heart sang lullabies and I had the best breakfast I have EVER had! Salmon rostis with rocket pesto, and champagne and orange juice would not have been better.
My Cup Runneth Over.

I sent the first mother’s day quote to my mom:
‘In a child’s basket, a mother’s thoughts. – Japanese Proverb. Love you mom!’

Benjamin proudly produced a present he had made at school, a little flower cut out, with a peg glued on the bottom, and attached was a homemade Mother’s Day Voucher … '1 heab message’ it scrawled in Ben’s handwriting.
‘I have to give you a head massage!’ he said proudly… and promptly started massaging my feet! He was so filled with love.
My Cup Runneth Over.

Later I sent the next sms to my mom.
‘Wish I was there mommy. “Who is it that loves me and will love me forever with an affection which no chance, no misery, no crime of mine can do away? It is you my mother.” – Thomas Carlyle’

Then Sebastian showed the cards he had made for me, with great flourish. Handmade, roughly hewn cards…with pop up hearts and a secret lock which he showed me how to undo. Now the fact that I love pop up books, and that hearts are my favourite shape, cannot go unnoticed. Dollops of love and pride shone out from every roughly shod cut-out…every messy scribble. Inside he had written a message in ‘Viking Code’ (he is a mythology buff) which I had to decipher – 'love You Mom’ it said. There was a picture of a mighty dragon on the one side and underneath he had written: ‘Thank you Mom for everything you have done. Thank you for teaching me Greek Mythology. Mum we may fight but I know I will always love you. Love from your first born.'
My Cup Runneth Over.

Sent my mom the next sms :
‘Romance fails us and so do friendships but the relationship of Mother and Child remains indelible and indestructible – the strongest bond upon this earth. - Theodore Reik. Tx my mom, for always being with me through the good times and the bad. You are a rock.’

The boys dissapeared for a while and I heard them chatting to our nanny, Meah, who has popped in quickly. Then they came up with a tray laden with breakfast goodies.
'Dad got this for us to give to you.’ They explained. On the tray was orange juice, muffins and the biggest Toblerone chocolate I have EVER seen!
My Cup Runneth Over.

I sent the next msg : ‘Happy  Mother’s Day Mom. “When your mother asks, 'Do you want a piece of advice?' It is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you say yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.” – Erma Bombeck’

The boys and I have been in our pyjamas the whole morning. And its been fab! We have had peanut butter sandwiches, muffins and chocolate for breakfast. Benjamin is massaging me ..still. I have had a foot massage, a neck massage and a shoulder massage….an ear massage, a hand massage and a short rendition of a breakdancer (masseuse and the entertainment for the day!!) His technique is actually quite good apart from the few times it feels like an aardvark is running up and down my spine. But he is so filled with pride and purpose that I am loving it. “I am so glad that I have found out that I’m good at this," he says "Because now I know what to do to make money."
Whilst I am getting the  best massages this side of Gauteng Sebastian is regaling us with Dr Seuss stories. He lies next to me reading from his favoutrite dog eared books…muffin cumbs and chocolate smears are on the bed, boys and happy mom alike.  Ben’s tiny fists rub glory into my skin and Seb’s words of Mr Fox and Sue sews Sue’s clothes play music into my breath…and I know, in no uncertain terms ...that life doesn’t get much better than this. I am in Bliss.
And My Cup Runneth Over.

I send the last sms of the day, and my mom replies: “Thank u darling…having your thoughts throughout the day made it feel like you were so much closer to me. By the way the last msg you sent was a passage that I read at my mothers memorial service. Very apt. I love you and my beautiful grandsons." And the quote I sent her?
Proverbs 31:28 ‘Her Children arise and call her blessed.’
My Cup Runneth Over.