Today I celebrate Motherhood alone.

My Chickens across the country…enjoying a day of summer without me.

I woke up a little bit sad.

Sad because not only am I missing baby Chicken’s first Mother’s Day, but sad that I am missing Mother’s day with all my Chickens…and even a bit more sad that I am missing day without my mom.

But, in the same whimsy of sadness, I am able to celebrate.

Celebrate because my Chickens are healthy.

They are healthy, and happy, and surrounded by love.

Happy because my mom is healthy, happy and a part of my life.

I get to celebrate today, alone, but appreciative of my life.

And thankful for my life.

And although alone, I did what every mother REALLY wants to do on Mother’s Day.

Be selfish.

I slept for about 12 hours.

Yep.

12.

I slept through the night without waking to baby cries or toddler demands.

And when I woke up…I realized I had no obligations and could roll over and sleep.

Anyone who knows me realizes that rolling over and going back to sleep just isn’t what I do.

Ever.

Until today.

I slept because I could.

And then I had coffee in bed while mindlessly haunting Facebook and blogs.

And then I ran.

For two hours.

luxury in a pair of running shoes.

I haven’t had a run like that in YEARS.

So, today I spoiled myself.

I decided that since I couldn’t spend time with the people I love most in this world, I would spend my day on myself.

So, I slept, ran, drank coffee and then spend leisurely hours walking through Lincoln, Nebraska and the main campus of UNL…looking for nothing, expecting nothing…and taking in a day of sunshine without responsibility.

Today was a sad day.

But, I made the most of it.

Celebrating my opportunity.

Celebrating the health of my loved ones.

Celebrating life.

I got teary-eyed a lot today.

But, I put myself in check.

I’m one of the lucky ones.

Although I’m not with my loved ones…they are still here.

I am blessed.

I am lucky.

And I know it.

So, Happy Mother’s Day.

A day to celebrate.

A day to love.

A very important day.