Carol Soelberg
Flannel had become a popular new trend in the late 80’s and early 90’s. My mother had spent hours and hours making all of us children matching pajamas to open on Christmas Eve out of this trendy plaid, flannel material. As I look back on the video, it is so hilarious to watch my facial reaction to these pajamas she’d spent so much time on! Though I tried to be excited for them, I was DEVASTATED!! My idea of princess-like Christmas pajamas did NOT include me looking like a “farmer” in flannel on Christmas Eve!
Somehow I had the gall to tell her I was disappointed, and she quickly went to the sewing room and sewed WHITE EYELET LACE on the neck, arms and bottom of this flannel nightgown! I think back on it now and I am sure it looked ridiculous, but to me, it was so beautiful and absolutely made my Christmas! She could have chided me about being respectful and grateful for the efforts she’d already made, instead she did everything she could to make my little girl wishes come true and preserve such a precious holiday memory! It’s my family’s favorite stories to tease me about, because it was such a silly, sentimental request. This task that my mother did for me could have seemed menial and non-glamorous to her, but to me, it made me feel like a queen…donned with lace trim.
I knew motherhood would be challenging as I had watched my own mom valiantly serve and care for a large family. And though it’s more challenging than I ever imagined, I was pleasantly surprised at how much more fulfilling it was than I had expected. I remember as I got to know my firstborn in her first few months of life, I could not believe I could love something so much.
I often wondered where my strong feelings of love were coming from! This little tiny baby in my arms was helpless and new and hadn’t done anything to merit the tender feelings I had for her, but I wanted to give her The World! I have come to recognize the feelings of motherhood as a wonderful gift. I’m grateful for the tender feelings and responsibilities of care, nurturing, and femininity that God gives women, whether they have children or not. I am thankful for the sweetness and happiness that my children have brought me, and the ways that motherhood has challenged and fulfilled my life.