This is going to be the first Mother’s Day I’ve ever had without my Mom here with us, but I promise to keep this post as light as she was.

One of the best things about being lucky enough to have had a mom like mine was knowing her as an adult. Although a traditional Catholic girl, Mom did get comfortable enough in her later years in telling me about her youthful adventures, such as summers spent in Saugatuck. I’m not sure if I remember all of the details of  one particular story, but it goes something like this: she and her friends wanted to go dancing at the now defunct Dance Pavilion:

 

 

 

But, there was a little issue of cash– or lack of it.  Cash for what?  A dress for dancing, the room she and her friends rented, and for– get this– a 3-sizes-too-large uniform for a job to pay for the uniform, the room and the dress (think about that circular reference for a minute).

That job came in the form of the Coral Gables, an institution that still remains.  Her description of herself trying to hold up the constantly falling “fat lady” uniform skirt while slinging hash still cracks me up.  This all was in order to fund her exploits (she would stop me here and correct that word to “experiences”, as well as to underscore that she was only interested in dancing)…hmmm did Mom (and Uncles Don & Thom) inspire the Kinks?

 

 

 

 

I’ll leave out the part of her skipping out of the room she and her girlfriends rented– something about an unsavory landlord– and get back to focusing what was always her favorite part of any vacation: being on or near the water. And for that, nothing was as good as Oval Beach:

Flash forward a few years, my mom would meet, marry and build a life with my Dad for 52 years!

 

 

 

It was only later in her life that Mom would rediscover the Art Coast of Michigan with Brian and me. We were able to spend a week in Fennville a year before our wedding, together with Brian’s mom (Momma Nonna), at a cute cottage on the shores of Lake Michigan. Although the intent of the week was to plan for the wedding, true to form, Mom spent the bulk of her time fixated on the Lake, philosophizing on the mystery and beauty of life and nature.

When she eventually set foot on our dear friends’ Michael and Doug’s Red Gate Farm– the site of our wedding– she walked the grounds barefoot stating that the place had healing properties. (Michael’s own wonderful Mom, Joyce, had– in fact– imparted her own magical energy at RGF). Hearing Mom say that and seeing her and Momma Nonna Linda, enjoy the area so much gave a testament not only to our wedding but that we shared something so special with our Moms.

 

 

 

Mom would have loved RWP as it perfectly suits her nautical sensibilities — as well as houses a few of her favourite things including her prized 150 year old Wedgwood and her sometimes-missing-but-always-valued “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” sunglasses, which now serve as a fancy Christmas ornament. And of course, for Mom’s love of the water how appropriate that she is interred in a lovely lighthouse– a perfect way for her lightness of being to continue to shine.

 

 

 

And the morale to this story– kind reader– as I’m sure you’re all aware: cherish the times with your Moms and mother figures in your life. We’re fortunate to still have Momma Nonna in ours and also my other “Mom”, Bryna– the woman who climbs mountains, rows, and yes goes swimming at our wedding (reception).  I love Moms– for all of their character, color, love, and LIGHT!

 

 

 

Happy Mothers’ Day, all of you amazing ladies!

…and..don’t forget to dance