It wasn’t officially Mother’s Day yet but as soon as I walked in the door, Raven was already there to greet me with the presents she got for me at her school’s Mother’s Day stall. The one I paid for.
“Mama, I got you something for Mother’s Day!” she exclaimed. She could barely contain her excitement it was contagious.
“Show me! Show me!” I squealed. I was just as eager as well to see what surprise awaited my $5.
“Open it!” she said, handing me a pink rectangular tin box.
For a split second I mentally crossed my fingers, hoping not to be disappointed. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I appreciate my daughter’s effort in getting me something but, you know, there’s only so much migraine-inducing, heavily scented soap and lotion set I can feign being super duper grateful for. That’s what she got for me last year when she was in kinder and I give her the benefit of a doubt that maybe her school didn’t have enough options to choose from.
But this year… well, surprise, surprise. Inside the box was a set of travel makeup brushes which, I found, was of rather decent quality, all things considered. I was impressed. Not only with what she picked for me, but mainly because she knew me so well.
Speaking of, she also gave me this hot pink sheet called All About My Mum. She got almost everything correct about me. Partial truths, in a sense, as I can be so complicated when it comes to my favourite food or drink. I mean, sure, I like spicy food but I probably wouldn’t go so far as to declare that chilli is what I want for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And between tea and coffee, I drink more of the former than the latter. Thus, the whole effort in securing Dilmahs on special.
But the line that really touched my heart?
My mum is the best because I love her.
Because I don’t need to do anything or be anything to be the best mum. She loves me, simply, for being me. For being her mama.
To have her unconditional love is a privilege. Truly. And that, for me, is the best Mother’s Day present of all for all the years to come.
*Raven at 6 years old
the pauses between 
omg how precious are your gifts and messages, please? I loved this blog. Gave me a reason to smile on a tough day, thank you for posting it.
My daughter LOVES to draw so i have heaps more around the house that she randomly gives me when the mood hits her, mother’s day or not.
I’m glad this post cheered you up a bit. Rest up. Tomorrow’s a brand new day filled with warm sunshine that Melbourne has been deprived of lately.