Mother’s Day Gifts: Beauty is in the Eye of the Gift-Giver

by Sally Matheny

Best Mother's Day Gift Ever

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and to all those who mentor others with a mothering kind of love. 

I hope you are honored in some way today. Perhaps with a card or an extra special hug. 

Maybe you'll receive a gift. If little ones come bearing gifts, then I’m sure you’re well aware that beauty is in the eye of the gift-giver.

When I was four years old, my daddy took me to the store to pick out a gift for my mama. Never before had I been able to choose a present all by myself. I walked up and down the aisles, determined to discover the best gift ever.

My older sister was a thoughtful kind of kid—well behaved, smart, and orderly. She soon chose a pair of soft, bedroom slippers to give Mama.

I, on the other hand, was a rambunctious, tangled-hair, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of kid. I had no idea what to get, but it had to be something fun, and colorful—something WONDERFUL! 

Several things caught my eye, but I kept going back to a ceramic bank. Perched on top of a horse was a Napoleon-looking soldier. The whole thing had a cartoonish look to it but my favorite thing was the hot pink in the uniform he was wearing.

I just knew my mother would love this bank. Daddy gently asked if I was sure that was what I wanted to give her. He even made a few other gift suggestions. Excitedly, I assured him the bank was the perfect gift.

On Mother’s Day, my mother opened my sister’s gift. Of course, she was delighted with the bedroom slippers. She said they were just what she needed and gave my sister a hug.

Then, she opened my gift. Did she like it?

You should have seen her eyes light up! Her smile told me she loved it as much as I did. I was thrilled I had found such an awesome gift.

Now, as an adult, my perception of the bank varies greatly from my four-year-old viewpoint.

My mother isn’t a pack-rat so I’m not sure why she has kept that bank for over forty years. Perhaps it's because of its unusualness.

My mother and sister

As a child, I liked that she held onto my gift over the years. 

As an adult, I treasure that little bank for other reasons. It reminds me of the tender, unconditional love my mother has always given me. That quirky, little bank captures the essence of her unwavering encouragement over the years.

Now, that I have kids of my own, I’ve received some “interesting” gifts as well.

However, the gifts are not near as precious as the children.

Their beauty is forever in the eye of a mother.

Happy Mother's Day, Mama. I love you. Thanks for loving me.