Under the Wing of Mom

It used to be that both Mothers Day and Fathers Day were very special days. A day set aside by Mr. Hallmark to really appreciate your parents.

Then...things happen. Mom passes away at age 79 (4 years ago), and all of a sudden...Mothers Day is a hard day to face. Don't get me wrong. I'm still happy for mothers everywhere, and I go to bed with a great mother every night. But, it's still sad.

As with most moms, mine was special. She could really cook, but was a long ways from Betty Crocker. She could really put on a monthly spread, but she wasn't Martha Stewart. She dressed up real nice, but she wasn't June Cleaver. She was just my mom. A simple southern lady who made you feel special...who made you feel loved.

I saw these swans at 11:00 a.m., and got out of my truck at 11:05. Complete with an umbrella, and with no jacket. 55 degrees. Cold! Who do you protect...yourself or the camera? Stupid question. Mrs. Canon gets the cover.

I took 325 shots. A few more are on my flickr page. Hard to choose. Click on LARGE for a closer look at junior.

The nap under moms wing lasted 30 minutes. (And...people tell me that I'm impatient!) In an effort to hold both my camera and the umbrella...my left arm kept falling asleep. I would then balance the top of the umbrella on my head...waiting for my arm to wake up. To his credit, Dad waited patiently in the water while Mom and babies slept. At 12:45 p.m., I got back in my truck...wet, cold, but elated for the chance to see a mom in nature.

All 6 little cygnets were under Moms wing. HEY! My mom had 6 kids, too. She also tried to keep us all under her wing. Peace...perfect peace...under the wing of Mom.

Happy Mothers Day to all of you Mothers! You are a special breed, and one of Gods greatest creations. A Mothers love is beyond description, and to my own mom....thanks for everything. I miss you.