Hi, Mom. I saw the daffodils blooming in the yard today and I thought of you.
Do you remember the day when I was about five years old and I brought a bouquet of them home to you, freshly picked from the neighbor’s yard? They were growing near the sidewalk, so it never occurred to me that they actually belonged to Mrs. Patterson. Luckily for me she was a kind lady and thought it was sweet of me to bring you flowers. To this day, whenever I see these beautiful yellow springtime flowers, I think of you.
Do you remember at about that same time, when you smiled when I asked if I could try some of your lipstick as you were getting ready for work? You said, “Boys don’t wear lipstick, honey,” but you put it on my lips anyway. Do you remember what you asked me next? You asked, “Do you wish you were a girl?” And, with the innocence that only a five-year old can have, I told you “Yes!” It was then that you told me, that had I been born a girl, my name would have been April.
I remember wishing then, with all my heart, as I stared at my bright red lips in the mirror, that I could be your daughter; and sitting beside you that morning is still my most cherished childhood memory.
I’ve been thinking of you a lot these days, Mom. And today of all days, I want to tell you something that I’m sure you already know; something I wish I’d had the courage to tell you when you were here with me. And yet, even so, I realize that if I had, I wouldn’t have been telling you anything that you didn’t already know. But I need to say it anyway…
I am and always have been your daughter.
And, while I used to wonder and worry about what you would think of me, if only you knew about the soul of the girl I was born with and the woman I was becoming, I wonder and worry no more.
Because of the daffodils blooming near my walk. Those beautiful, delicate, yellow flowers that before now have never appeared in my yard. Your answer and gift to your daughter.
I love you, Mom.
Latest posts by Shawna Mackenzie (see all)
- My Mother’s Gift - April 7, 2025
Lovely ❤️
Thank you, Wendy!
XO Shawna
Shawna, A very nice memory of your mom. I also love daffodils, my mom and grandmothers favorite flower. I have them planted all over my yard and love the springtime bloom. I was raised by my mom and grandma and believe that is one reason for my feminine / CD leanings. No regrets, thanks for the wonderful story..
Staci…
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and kind words, Staci!
XO Shawna