The Gifts My Mother Gave Me

It’s Saturday, May 10th. I awakened with a bittersweet reminder that today would have been my mother’s 91st birthday, and tomorrow is Mother’s Day.

Today, I am celebrating Sylvia Feldman Newman’s birthday, Mother’s Day and the “Gifts My Mother Gave Me.” I am blessed that I do not have to search; I only have to sort my memories, to write about my mother!


My dearest friend’s mother always said, “God does not take away, God gives. I was given a lifetime of love. However, I always told my mother she was a “gift of love.” She offered her devotion with such overwhelming generosity “from the bottom of my heart!”

I have copious descriptions for my mother. The most significant are: generous, fair, disciplined, trustworthy, beautiful, bright, loving and an “Elegant Lady.” Not only did she resemble Claudette Colbert, the 1940’s movie star, she radiated beauty from within. She lived her life with style and grace. From dressing to perfection, with a unique flair that complimented her beautiful red hair and her gorgeous complexion; to artfully arranging a bouquet of flowers from her garden and “working the booth” at a sales/business meeting with my father. She was a wise and patient listener. In fact, my friends would come to our house to talk with Mother, because their mothers “just doesn’t understand me, but yours mother does.”

Mother also was tenacious and family togetherness was paramount to her. Soon after my parents were married, a doctor to her she would never have children. Nevertheless, she was determined to prove the doctor wrong, and she did. As the “Queen of Propriety,” she would recount my conception and tell me, “You were a gift, not just a biological urge!” ;-D

Mother’s outward appearance was that of a delicate porcelain doll. However, inwardly she was mighty… a strong willed warrior for what she believed in. She was a courageous and admirable woman, a “Woman of Valor” and a woman of her word!

Anyone who was acquainted with Mother, knew they could depend on her for absolute trust and support, logical advise, and knowing the correct way to do whatever needed to be done, especially using proper table manners. Just ask her grandchildren!

The Lilly of the Valley was Mother’s favorite flower. It symbolizes the return of happiness and friendship. Mother was a friend to everyone she met. We couldn’t walk, dine or shop anywhere, without Mother knowing someone, or her knowing who they were related to. She was a walking “Who’s Who of Chicagoland!”

I smile thinking about the surprise “Love Gifts” I received. Something Mother saw, that she thought I would like, not because it was a special occasion, just because she thought I was special. The little gift enclosure cards that were signed with a “?” or “Guess Who?” never failed to make me laugh.

Knowing my mother adored me gave me a life long sense of security and confidence. I was never too big or old for a hug and a kiss. She was never too busy to tell me or show me how much she loved me. Our phone conversation or good-bye’s never were without an “I love you” or a “Be careful!” I chuckle, thinking how Mother and I jokingly argued about, who loved the other one more.

As a businesswoman, my mother was intelligent, creative and perceptive! She helped my father build Lab-Line Instruments into a successful international business. She also was my business partner. We brainstormed workshop ideas together, she efficiently proofread my hand-outs, documents and manuscripts and enthusiastically promoted my book and me.  In 1999, when she was 82 years old, she decided to become “a woman of the 21st century.” She bought a laptop computer, took “techy” lessons and enjoyed sending and receiving emails. 

Today, I gave myself a “Love Gift!” I’m celebrating my mother and the gifts she gave, with Lily of the Valley and tulip bouquets from my garden on my desk, writing this post and sharing my mother’s favorite Birthday Gift story…  I was five years old, too young to go shopping by myself. Instead, I used my “little girl” gardening
sheers to cut all the newly blossomed tulips off just below their heads. I left several dozen headless soldiers standing at attention in the mulch. I placed my treasures in a basket and brought them to my mother.
At first, she was horrified. However, her irritation melted when I offered her the basket and exclaimed,

“Happy Birthday, Mommy. I love you!”

The “Gifts My Mother Gave Me” are bountiful blessings
that live in my heart and resonate in my memory! 

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