The Beauty of Mother’s Day: Celebrate Good Health

Although my Mom passed away over ten years ago, a day doesn’t go by without a thought about her and her incredible beauty, and especially on Mother’s Day.  She was one of those rare people in life to whom everyone was drawn.

Of Greek ancestry, she had a vivacious presence and a heart to match; when she passed away in her sleep at the young age of 64 of  heart failure, we, her offspring, wondered sadly at the irony.

Katherine, aka, Katy, held court daily in her restaurants in Carmel and Carmel Valley, California, as cook extraordinaire, confidant, counselor and friend to all.  She was a wonder to watch; the grumpiest customer would light up with a smile as she put her arm around them to inquire of their well being. And food.  She loved people (and they her) and loved to feed them.

Mom’s beauty was not just within; she had a regal carriage, a mane of long dark brown natural waves, a classic Greek profile and beautiful smile. As age began to creep upon her, there were teeny tiny tell tale signs of crows feet around the eyes and smile lines but her face retained a youthful glow. She was childlike in her wonder of people and life up to the day she passed. This, I believe, was her own anti aging beauty secret.

Perhaps my memory is selective; she wasn’t perfect and as the eldest of her four children, she and I had a tendency to argue. I nagged constantly about the lack of care she took for her own health.  She just had so much to do and cared for so many others.

A persistent cough and rapid weight loss forced her to see a doctor, but she never told any of us the actual results, dismissing it as a nasty bronchial bug. Instead, she busied herself even more.  And this we felt is what caused her early death.

So, to all the Mom’s out there…please, for the sake of your family and loved ones…make your health as important as everyone else for whom you take care.

The beauty of Mother’s Day is having you around for a very long time to lavish gratitude and flowers and celebrate your good health.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, with Much Love.