Mothers and Daughters

Sharon Dunn here. One of the themes of my new Love Inspired book that comes out at the end of April, Tracking the Taken Child, is the bond between mother and daughter. Writing this book made me think about my own mother Mary Ellen, so I dedicated the book to her. My mother won't see the dedication. In fact, by the time my first book was published, she had already died from cancer in her early fifties. And yet, even after all these years, I feel the bond between us, that tug of emotion. 

Like all people my mother was a collection of contradictions. My mother loved nature and working in her garden. She also loved children. She had seven of them and wanted to adopt more when the doctor told her another birth would be too dangerous. Despite my father's alcoholism, I think my mother worked hard to give us a save, secure childhood. She read me stories, taught me how to sew and we built a dollhouse together. The dollhouse has long since been lost, but I still have the furniture for it. My mother could be my greatest cheerleader but also a critical remark from her could hurt. I feel deep sorrow that she didn't get to see that I became a published author. She would have been proud. I wish too that she could have lived to be a part of my children's lives. She would have been a wonderful grandmother. My mother gave me many gifts. I know that I learned money management and how to be frugal from her. I think my own connection to nature where I sense God's presence the most was through the example she set. I don't think even death can break the mother daughter bond. 

When you think of your mother, what comes to mind? I'd love to hear about who your mom was to you. Leave a comment with your email address, I'll be giving away five copies of Tracking the Taken Child (USA only).