Deep in the thicket, of the water’s edge, she makes her bedding of pressed grass and feathers of down. Soft as baby’s breath, and warm as the summer soon to come, is her nest.
Gently dropping the swelling from her belly she touches each one, then nestles down on them.
And the wait begins for the mother goose.
Father gander paces gently, swimming back and forth in the pond, guarding her and his flock-to-be.
The rains, they come and threaten to wash mother and eggs away.
And she holds her ground.
Cats come close threatening to steal the lives she guards. Father gander stands in front of mother and eggs, squawking and spreading his wings, creating an illusion of being large and powerful as he beats his wings.
They hold their ground and the predator backs down.
Winter sends one last blast to the pond dropping temperatures to near freezing. Mother dips her beak under her wing, hunkering down to block the wind and cold from her eggs.
And she holds her ground.
Small tapping can be heard now, as they break the boundries of the shell, to enter into the new world. Their tiny beaks peck and tear at the boundary they have out grown, and sometimes they will cut the tender tissue of the mother’s breast.
Before long the new little family can be seen walking around. Two grand geese, and several tiny, fuzzy yellow balls of feathers; Looking more like a Tweety Bird than geese.
And the circle of life begins again.
I think of my own children and our life. So many fears and cuts to the heart made by precious treasures trying to find their way into the world.
As women we give so much to guard and care for our children, to hold our ground as did our mothers before us.
And didn’t Mary treasure these things in her heart?
Don’t we as women treasure these things in our hearts? Do you treasure good and bad in your heart?
Has your life given your mother things to treasure in her heart?
I know my life has. So I was thinking as I watch the mother goose, does she know that she has done a good job? Can those little chicks show any gratitude to their mother? And how do I show gratitude?
Mother’s Day is May 13th. Have you decided what to give to your mother to thank her? Neither have I, but here are some suggestions that I have come up with as a gift idea.
- Wash and vacuum her car
- Make a card and remind her of all the things you are thankful for (like we did in elementary school)
- Take her to lunch
- Make a coupon book with redeemable items.
- Make A calendar with pictures (you, your children, of her growing up, maybe of you and her together)
- A new journal to write down the treasures in her heart.
- A book signed by the author
- A gift card for a manicure or pedicure, or both – and go with her!
- Plant flowers, or weed the flower beds
- And my personal favorite – take her to the beach for a girls weekend.
For all the feathers you laid to comfort and keep us warm, for all the predatory boyfriends you and dad ran off, for all the times you held your ground as I cut your heart trying to enter this world as an adult, Thank You.
I love you Mother!
Linking with The 1000 Moms Project 
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Gorgeous photos, as usual, but I especially love the practical suggestions to show our love to our moms. I know my mom is someone who’s “at my gate” and I want to do my best to honor her. Thanks for the great post, Di.
Susan, It was after you posted that I read your blog. I will pray for your Mom. ~Di
Thanks, Di 🙂
So precious! Just taking in the beauty of your photos…
Whilst Mothers day in the UK has gone you have inspired me not to wait until the next one and planted ideas of how I can appreciate my Mum all year round. Your posting is truly inspirational.. Thank you.
Maggie, How wonderful to have a comment from across the big pond! Let me know what you decide as a gift for your mother, for next year!