Whistling Mother … Deadlines, and More

Mother’s Day 2025

On a busy Saturday right before Mother’s Day, I found myself waiting in line at a local Dollar Store (that now features most items at $1.25, of course). Others were also busily buying balloons (yes, Mylar) and Mother’s Day cards for sure, but I became aware that the cashier was also cheerfully whistling as he worked, checking out a woman whose shopping cart of flowers ended up being $68 worth.

Whew. I knew it would take a long time for him to process it all and I had deadlines.

But my mind went immediately to my mother’s penchant for whistling while she worked, and the cheerfulness that she always exuded in our kitchen as she made breakfast or washed dishes or put things away. Her thoughts, I know, ranged from good things to worrying things, and while I never quizzed her on her thoughts as she worked, I know her brain held joy, sorrow, chagrin, worry, faith in God, love and more. Mom died almost four years ago now in October 2021.

My husband was waiting in our car for me to pick up the goods I had ordered the day before, and we were rushing to get to the 75^th birthday party for his middle brother. Would we make it in time? There were other helpers setting up chairs and tables in the VFW Hall where the festivities would take place, but I didn’t want to be late when others had hurried to get there too on a beautiful sunny day. The party was about seven miles away.

But I soon I became more engaged in his whistling and the woman’s joy at her bundle of artificial but beautiful flowers. I guessed she and her daughter were probably planning either a large party or spreading the flowers on some graves, somewhere. I couldn’t hear all of their conversation but she was smiling happily, knowing that she was doing something good, I’m sure.

I began to think I would maybe tell the cashier how his humming reminded me of my mother. When my turn at the register finally came, I did quickly tell him that he made me think of my mother who always whistled. He smiled and since he was already in a cheerful mood, I relaxed, knowing that we would probably be able to pick up the birthday cake over at Costco’s and make it to the party site on time as well. It helped my worry.

We arrived at 1 minute to 5 o’clock. While we had lots of stuff to take into the building and organize, it was not worth worrying. Others were decorating the hall very nicely and organized the kitchen goods.

Remember that the next time you have a deadline you are afraid you won’t make.

My mother, on the other hand, when women or planners at her very Mennonite church would tap her shoulder that she should take on the roll of “head of the kitchen,” she was smart enough to turn it down, knowing that it would make her way too nervous or anxious. May she rest in peace with no worries about cooking for a group!

Our oldest grandson, though, has just been appointed “Grub Master” as he advanced up to regular status of Boy Scouts. He has always been on his toes asking what’s on the menu at our house—not complaining or fusing, but just interested in the food! He and his mother have already planned his first gig: planning, purchasing, and preparing food (with help!) for their next outing. I am so proud of him and his interests and I’m sure he’ll learn a lot. Go Sam!

And happy birthday to my brother-in-law, Nolan!

We also turned off the lights and had everyone turn on their cell phone lights to sing his Happy Birthday!

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Do you like planning birthday parties? Or celebrations for mothers, fathers, children, graduations?

What does that bring out in you?