Once the boys were passed the age that their teacher’s pushed them to create hand drawn cards and crafts, Mother’s Day became a non event at our house. For the last decade or so I have started the day with a take out coffee and a walk on the Meewasin – watching the pelicans play at the weir – and then home to either make myself breakfast on the deck or to attend brunch with the Chartier’s. So last year was a complete surprise.

Lucas managed to carefully carry home on his bike this lovely citronella candle holder from Pier One.

And Jordan – who had barely spoken to me in weeks – brought me Oregano. 

I later found these photos on his Facebook page. Obviously during one of his frequent visits to his grandparents he had taken over a ceramic pot a dear friend had created for me years ago and had planted and then carefully transported home what would become a perennial reminder of him.

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Oregano –genus Oreganum. From the Greek words “Oros” meaning mountain, and “Ganos” meaning joy, Oregano is seen as a symbol of happiness. The Greek’s believe that this herb springing up on a grave signifies the happiness of the deceased in the after life.

I am not much of a green thumb – most plants die under my watch. But this little pot of oregano is thriving in its spot in the sun on our kitchen table. A daily and much needed reminder that despite all our challenges and arguments – I was his mom, and he loved me.