Every year, teachers work hard figuring out little inexpensive gifts their students can make for their mothers on Mother’s Day. One particular gift I got many years ago is still etched in my memory.

Our first born, Robby, was going to a pre-school out in the country. This was a couple of hours, a few times a week.

The Friday before Mother’s Day, I parked in the driveway waiting for my little boy. Other children came out of the house. Each held a colorful handmade tissue paper flower–the flower was about the size of the child’s head.

Eventually, Robby came out, but he wasn’t holding a flower. To keep his gift a surprise he hid his flower under his jacket–not one of his better plans.

“I have something for you, Mommy, but you can’t have it until Mother’s Day.”

“Is it a ball?” I asked. “Or a horse? Or a flying carpet?”

He giggled. “No. And I can’t tell you.”

When we got home, Robby ran upstairs to his bedroom. From the living room, I heard him cry.

“Do you need help?” I asked.

“NO! Not you.”

“I’ll send Daddy up when he gets home from work. Okay?”

“Okay,” Robby sniffled.

Later that day, Daddy went upstairs and saved the day.

When Mother’s Day arrived, I was very surprised when Robby handed me my unsmashed tissue paper flower. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.