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| Mom, Little Sis, Me holding Teddy |
"Good morning, Merry Sunshine!"
It's a greeting that echoes down through the decades of my life, still spilling warmth and light into my soul.
It was one I hadn’t thought of in years, but when it wiggled its way out from some dusty corner one day a few years ago, I stopped to take notice.
For with those little words came such a sweet flood of happy and cozy feelings. And, for a fleeting moment I was back in the old farm kitchen. I would have been around five or six years old at the time.
I remember padding my sleepy-eyed self down the short hallway into the sun flooded kitchen, where Mommy was probably making breakfast. She stopped whatever she was doing to welcome me into the day with her cheery, “Good morning, Merry Sunshine.”
I don’t recall if Mom used that little nickname on a regular basis, or just that one time, but even after all these years, just remembering it again makes me feel all warm and safe. Her words, spoken so long ago, poured out something precious – like costly ointment -- over me. They are a reminder that Mom’s love for me over my lifetime has been like sunshine…warming, cheering, brightening.
Words a mother speaks over her children can echo over a lifetime. The use of nicknames, whether pretty, cute, funny or gently teasing of a special personality trait, when spoken with love and kindness, can give a child a sense of belonging and of being well loved. That’s exactly what “Merry Sunshine” did for me all those years ago.
Today I want to say thanks to my dear beautiful mom for speaking words of love over my life in those early formative years, and all through the decades. She has been that bright spot of my life...knowing her constant love was always there for me brought me through many a tight spot.
Happy Mother's Day
"Her children rise up and call her blessed."
from the book of Proverbs
With loving thoughts to you, Mom, and everyone reading this,
Brenda
xox
Brenda
xox
Piece originally published in 2009
I just noticed, thanks to my sis, that Mom has her arm around me too, if you notice her hand peeking around my arm.
ReplyDeleteFor me, that's truly how she held us...drawing us near to herself into the centre of her heart. Tenderly and with affection.
What sweet memories! Merry Sunshine. I love that!
ReplyDeleteHi, Merry Sunshine!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this tribute to your Mom, Brenda. Hope you had a nice day.
Wishing you a lovely start to a brand new week,
Linda at Beautiful Ideas
Brenda this post brought sweet emotions to the surface. What a beautiful memory to have of your Momma. This really was a beautiful post, glad I stopped by.
ReplyDeleteHugs!!
Sweet and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNo kidding, my mom sang the same thing to me every morning. When I was a teenager, I didn't really appreciate it. Brings back fun childhood memories.
ReplyDeleteMy father used to wake us up, frequently, with a little song which began with the words "Good morning, Merry Sunshine". I sang it to my children and, now, my grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteMyra
Yes, I heard that one a few times myself. Sweet memories! (My mother never tap danced into my room singing it, though, as dear friends of mine insist their mommy did. Ha! )
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed seeing that family photo...very pretty gals all three.
Those sweet memories become ever sweeter and more precious with the passing years! Love love the picture!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, ever sweeter and more precious.
DeleteJust lovely, Bren, as this is such a reminder of that unconditional love our moms gave so naturally. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJust lovely, Bren, as this is such a reminder of that unconditional love our moms gave so naturally. Thanks.
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