Mother's Day
My good friends, Ralph Robbins of SavATree and George Bridge of Acorn Farm, did something very lovely recently. Both men are involved in the tree business and they decided to plant a tree at my farm in my Mother’s honor. They chose a beautiful Crimson King maple - strong and stately like Mom. This tree is about 25 years old and is approximately 35-feet tall. With this being my first Mother’s Day without her, I am especially touched by Ralph and George’s kind gift.
George Bridge
Ralph Robbins
Aw so nice
Posted by: Mike | May 11th, 2008 at 2:47 am
Very lovely indeed. Happy Mother's Day Martha, I know Big Martha will be there with you in spirit.
Posted by: Lisa | May 11th, 2008 at 3:11 am
What a lovely way to remember someone who you loved very much.
I am sure that your mother was one of the people in your life that inspired you to achieve and contribute to our society.
Thanks to both of you, for giving us the tools to enjoy the art of entertaining.
Happy Mothers Day, Martha.
Posted by: Evelyn Ackbarali | May 11th, 2008 at 3:13 am
That is very special. You were blessed to have had your mother with you for so very long.
Posted by: Isle Dance | May 11th, 2008 at 3:36 am
oh wow, a really sweet gesture!
Posted by: Nabeela | May 11th, 2008 at 4:25 am
What a nice thoughtfull idea, Happy Mother's Day to you Martha!!!
Posted by: Laurie Ivanchuk{Ukraine} | May 11th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Lovely.
What a wonderful tribute to your mother.
Thanks for the blog Martha...I love yours and the one your daughter has!
Posted by: AZ | May 11th, 2008 at 6:20 am
thinking of you today and your tremendous loss..hope you spend time with Alexis!!
Posted by: Gilda Stigliano | May 11th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day, Martha! What a wonderful mother you must have had being that you're one of the smartest, nicest, and most beautiful women in the world!
America can't be too bad of a country if it can produce such wonderful, beautiful women like Hillary and you!
Posted by: John | May 11th, 2008 at 6:41 am
What a great tribute. I am celebrating my second mothersday as a mother myself here in Sweden in two weeks. Best regards!
Posted by: Maria Sweden | May 11th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Happy Mother's Day, Martha,
Such a tribute to your Mom! The Crimson King Maple is beautiful. Your friends Ralph Robbins and George Bridge have given you a lovely gift. Big Martha must be smiling. You and your whole family must have so many memories that will fill this first Mother's Day without her. I have many of my Mom, whom I dearly miss on this day; I have many loving memories to light up the day.
With fond thoughts of Big Martha,
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | May 11th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Happy Mothers day Martha!!! and what a beautiful tree. My mom passed away about a week before your precious mom. She will be missed today. God bless you today Martha, may your day be filled with happiness
deezie
Posted by: deezie | May 11th, 2008 at 7:09 am
What a beautiful honor in memory of your Mother. She was a stately and strong person just like the Crimson Maple tree. She was beautiful, physically as well as spiritually, just like you Martha. I know, Big Martha is proud. Nan
Posted by: Nan Ashby | May 11th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I think this is a wonderful idea. I wish I could have done something similar when I lost my mother 10 years ago. Today is always a very hard day. You're very lucky to have known her so well and to have had her for so long.
Posted by: Amanda | May 11th, 2008 at 7:45 am
That's such a wonderful gesture, Martha.
Posted by: Jenn | May 11th, 2008 at 8:19 am
What a wonderful gesture, Martha. The tree is beautiful!
Posted by: Jenn | May 11th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Happy Mother's Day Martha,
What a beautiful memory to honor your mother with. The tree is beautiful. This tree is a favorite of my dad's and I planted one in my first house. Take care!
Posted by: Anna, Plainfield, IL | May 11th, 2008 at 8:27 am
What a great honor to your mother Martha, and so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother two years ago to lung cancer and think of her every single day. It will get a little easier as time goes by, and my thoughts are with you. Best wishes to you, and thanks for sharing your world with us all.
Posted by: John C. | May 11th, 2008 at 8:32 am
What a lovely tree. Such a beautiful tribute!
Happy Mother's Day, Martha!
Posted by: Jess | May 11th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Happy Mother's Day. I, too, am without my beloved mother who died in 2001. I miss her so much each and every day. She was as inspiring, gentle, and so sweet. The tree is such a wonderful gift and I am sure will bring you much peace when you go there. My mother is buried beneath a lovely olive tree. Have a nice day.
Beverly
Posted by: Beverly | May 11th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Dear Martha:
Happy Mother's Day to you!! I love the beautiful crimson maple tree donated in memory of your wonderful mother. What a gorgeous tree. Maples are one of my favorite trees. I am a mother too and will be spending the day with my child who is actually 23 now. With all the lovely fond memories you have of your Mom, I hope you find comfort and have much joy this wonderful day.
Sincerely
Linda
Philadelphia, PA
Posted by: Linda | May 11th, 2008 at 9:22 am
That is so sweet! i love that idea!!
she was just the cutest mom ever!!
Have a great mothers day!!
oxoxo,
jessi
Posted by: Jessi Nagy | May 11th, 2008 at 9:22 am
What a lovely way to honor your Mother and what a lovely gift! Happy Mother's Day, Martha!
Posted by: Elaine | May 11th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Martha, Where on your property was it planted? Hopefully somewhere you can see if from your kitchen window to remember the great time you and your mom had baking/cooking together.
Posted by: ryan | May 11th, 2008 at 9:42 am
What a wonderful way to honor your mother who was the "tree of life" for your family.
Posted by: Lisa | May 11th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Wishing you a happy Mothers day and what a lovely gift your friends gave you. I must say I watch your show here in Norway every afternoon at 5 o'clock, although they are far behind (just saw your 3 french chefs on Thursday) it is still very fun. Can't wait until Christmas comes and ofcourse Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Take care
Posted by: Koselig | May 11th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Happy mothers day, Martha.
Renée, Québec
Posted by: Renée Couture | May 11th, 2008 at 10:24 am
That was so nice of Ralph and George and it's a lovely tree. Happy Mother's Day Martha and Laura and to all the moms who visit this blog. Trish
Posted by: Trish | May 11th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Trees seem have spirits and strength of their own. It is lovely that your friends have chosen to honor the spirit of your Mother with a strong tree such as this. Best wishes to you.
Posted by: Noelle | May 11th, 2008 at 10:29 am
What a lovely way to honor your Mother. Happy Mother's Day to you and all!
Posted by: Lori Stewart | May 11th, 2008 at 10:45 am
What a beautiful way to remember your mother. I LOVED seeing her on your shows! She always made me smile! Thank you for sharing her with us!
Posted by: Michelle | May 11th, 2008 at 10:53 am
What a nice tribute to your Mother. Everyone who has ever watched your show totally fell in love with her. I lost my own Mom last year at the end of May, so this Mother's Day is a little hard for me right now. Thanks for lifting my spirits. xxoo
Posted by: Carolyn | May 11th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I love this tree and it is a fitting tribute to your lovely mom! Happy Mother's Day to you - my pretend mom. You inspire me every single day no matter where I am or what I am doing. Do something nice for yourself today.
;0)
Posted by: Michelle Zabell | May 11th, 2008 at 11:41 am
I am without my mother, I wanted to view your blog in thought of your loss. I was touched to see that friends and family have showed you the support you deserve. We love Big Martha.
Posted by: michael anthamatten | May 11th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
thank a lot. I read a blog today. it was about mother's day. and I like maybe you like too.
http://www.muratozek.blogspot.com
Posted by: thanks! | May 11th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
What a lovely and thoughtful gesture. A gift that will keep on giving.
Best wishes to you this Mother's Day.
Posted by: lisagh | May 11th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
What a wonderful way to remember your mother! What a kind and thoughtful gesture!
I hope your day is filled with may happy memories.
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 11th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
What a wonderful gift and tribute on such a beautiful day. Everytime you see that beautiful maple, you'll be reminded of your mom's legacy. Happy Mother's Day to you, also, Martha! I know many people think of you as their second mom, helping them in the kitchen and always ready to give some good advice.
Big hugs,
Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | May 11th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved that idea...its a lovely honor to your mom!
Posted by: Vera M | May 11th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
What a lovely gesture. Both this and your lovely memorial in Martha Stewart Living about your mother brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your sentiments with us.
Posted by: magdaj | May 11th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Thank you for sharing this tribute with us. I wish a very Happy Mother's Day to you and all of the moms in your readership and viewership.
Posted by: Kathy J. | May 11th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Hi Martha,
Just loved the tree tribute to your lovely mom, I feel so lucky to have my 91 yr.-YOUNG mom still with me - I feel so blessed!
Enjoy your Mom's Day with Alexis. Thanks for being you: - )
Sharla Stewart, Greenville, MI.
Posted by: Sharla Stewart | May 11th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Very very nice. Happy Mother's Day to you too!
Posted by: Jane M | May 11th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Martha:)
What a beautiful tribute! I know how lonely it can be without your mother on this day. But this is such a beautiful way to have your mother with you throughout the year. As the seasons change and the leaves on the King maple change you will be able to remember all the changes that your mother made in your life.
"Happy Mother's Day"
Linda Gail
Posted by: Linda Gail | May 11th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Happy Mother's Day Martha~ the Tree planted in memory of your mother is beautiful~ I hope each leaf that falls from it will bring to your mind a special memory of her!
Posted by: Rachael Kinnison | May 11th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Martha:
What a thoughtful gift from your friends. It is such a beautiful tradition to honor a special occasion or loved one by planting a tree.
In case you're feeling sad today, Martha, remember these hopeful words from Peter Marshall whose wife, Catherine Marshall, wrote the "Christy" books based on her grandmother's life:
The Lord said that our loved ones would be with Him.
He also said that He would never leave us.
If they are with Him
and He is with us
they cannot be far away.
Some things are just that simple, Martha, and and all we're asked to do is simply embarace them. I hope that the stately Crimson Maple will always remind you of this.
I hope, also, that you and Alexis are able to spend some time with each other this weekend.
Happy Mother's Day!
Joseph Brennan
Posted by: Joseph Brennan | May 11th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I am thinking of you today Martha! What a nice gift, it is nice to know that kindness is still alive.
Posted by: Suzanne | May 11th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Every time you see the tree you can think of MOM. A real treasure that lives on and on just like our memories.
Happy Mother's Day.
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam From California | May 11th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
What a very sweet thing to do for Martha on Moms Day, brought tears to my eyes and so very thoughtful of them to do that for Martha!!Happy Mothers Day to you Martha and have a nice, sweet day !!
Posted by: Allyson | May 11th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
What a lovely way to remember your mom. Enjoy your day and know that she is still with you today and every day.
Posted by: Amy | May 11th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Having been a fan of your books, magazines, shows, etc. for over 15 years, I would like to say that Big Martha is missed widely. She appeared to be such an amazing person whom I learned many things from watching. I never knew my grandmothers, but I felt as though I had a peek into what it would be to have one through your shows and magazines. Thank you for sharing your family with us. Happy Mother's day to you and all yours.
Posted by: Kelly Moore | May 11th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
It's a beautiful tree Martha and a beautiful tribute. My MIL left us unexpectedly about 2 months ago and she is missed terribly so we are planting a small garden in her honor today. I think a tree or such is a wonderful way to honor someone special. Happy Mother's Day to you, xo, suzy
Posted by: suzy | May 11th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
What a beautiful gift. And a wonderful way to remember your mother.
Melissa
http://empressofdirt.blogspot.com
Posted by: empressofdirt | May 11th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Trees can be a seasonal example of the times we spend with loved ones. Each time you look at the changing leaves or branches, I hope you can smile and feel peace...
Posted by: leanneangie | May 11th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Martha
Thank you very much for sharing these really personal parts of your life. They mean a lot to me and I learn a lot from the insights you share.
Darrell White
Toronto, Canada
Posted by: Darrell White | May 11th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Martha, those two fellows gave a wonderful gift and helped you celebrate a wonderful person...your mom. And your mom left you with a HUGE gift...wonderful memories.
Happy Mother's day!
Gloria Brown
Winterport, Maine
Posted by: Gloria Brown | May 11th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
What a lovely tribute to your Mother. I miss her too.
Happy Mother's Day
Karen
Posted by: Karen Latham | May 11th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Happy Mother's Day, Martha. What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful Mother! Ralph and George were certainly thoughtful to give you such a fantastic tree that you can enjoy every day and be reminded of what a strong, stately person your mother was. I lost my mother 8 years ago and I still miss her every day. She was exactly 11 days older than your mother. God bless all mothers. Thanks so much for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | May 11th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Oh this is so touching! What a beautiful tree. I also lost my mother 10 years ago when she was only 47 years old so I know what you must feel on the 1st Mother's day without her. This is a beautiful tribute to her.
You know, every month 3 trees are planted in our names (husband, son & mine) and it feels very special every time I get that wonderful email letting us know when it was planted.
Thank you for sharing this and I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day with your daughter, family & friends.
Dayami
Posted by: Dayami | May 11th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Happy Mother's Day Martha. You are so lucky to have such wonderful friends to honor you mother in this way. Hope you can see the tree from your favorite room in your home.
Posted by: Elizabeth F. | May 12th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Family and love are the most important things we have.
Childhood memories and shared moments with loved ones are the greatest treasure.
Posted by: Stephane | May 12th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Marth,
Your mother would be so touched by this wonderful tribute. She was a grand lady and I know you must miss her terribly. You were a great daughter to her, the best. I loved how you treated her. My own mother just endured brain surgery 4 weeks ago. I was so worried. She did well and is home now progressing nicely. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you to go on without her though. My heart goes out to you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to say a few words on her behalf this Mothers Day.
Posted by: Jeannette Antry | May 12th, 2008 at 12:26 am
I will always remember you and your mom cooking the potato dumplings ..and she was so honest and sweet and not afraid to disagree with your memory of making them. She was so genuine and cute...my mom was born the same year and I wish I could of had your 8 more years of my mom. It is the biggest life shift ever...losing your mom because who ever is going to really be interested in hearing the details of how you are suffering with a cold. From the big to the tinest events they always care.
Posted by: Cher | May 12th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Very beautiful, so touching. A lovely tree for an outstanding lady!
Posted by: Judy Mills | May 12th, 2008 at 3:21 am
The tree was a great tribute to your mother. This was my first Mother's Day without my mother also. My husband and I took care of her in our home for 2 1/2 years and she passed 2 days after Christmas. It was a tough week for me to get through. She was 86 when she passed. It is so nice to have family and friends to help you through it. Looks like you had a great mothers day. It was great to see how you landscape part of your property.
Posted by: JoEllen | May 12th, 2008 at 10:17 am
What a lovely and fun filled day you had. I too spent time with my 2 lovely girls, my mom, dad and of course my husband. We ate, talked and did some serious laughing over stuff until tears were running down our face and couldn't continue to eat! What a b-eautiful tree in memory of your Mother. It is so lovely. Your property is sure coming to life as everything is greening up and here at home we are experiencing the same. Remember Martha, take TIME for yourself, even if its 20 minutes per day, you have given so much and now its time to remember yourself.
Enjoy your day,
April.
Posted by: April Jackson | May 12th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Dear Martha,
I was thinking about you all week, especially with Mother day's around the corner. I am so happy you had a special day with your daughter and friends. The table looked beautiful and the gifts were equally as beautiful. I enjoyed your Mother's day show. You showed such warmth and good cheer to all the Mother's. I believe it must have been a hard show to do, with this being the first Mother's day without your mom. You showed great courage and extreme grace.
Posted by: Vito Cuttone | May 12th, 2008 at 11:46 am
i bet it's tough to celebrate with your mom being gone but that stunning tree is a lovely distraction. i'd be interested to know more about the process of relocating a tree of that maturity. the root system seems shallow from the pictures. or do they trim the roots? what a great magazine feature that would make...
Posted by: lisa mertins | May 12th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Martha,
I really enjoyed your pictures.The pictures are very good they made me feel I have shared a very special day with you. You are truly living the "Wonderful Life". I had a very nice Mother's Day. My son made me some creme brulee and my daughter took me the Ruth Crist's for dinner. What a treat!
Posted by: Carolyn King | May 12th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Out of all your Mothers Day gifts, the one that stood out for me was the tree. It's been 5 years since my mother's passing and that would have been the best present I could have ever received.
Your daughter is lovely to be able to share this day with you.
Take care.
Glenda
Posted by: Glenda | May 12th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I felt so much peace looking at the pictures of your Mother's Day weekend. Thanks for sharing the pictures and events. Your mom was a very special woman, just like you and Alexis!
Posted by: stephanie kleppelid | May 12th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Nothing to do with the current topic.My mother (94) is still with us but we have a cemetary in our yard for our pets, complete with fire hydrant.
I just wanted to say how much I admire you. Where you get all your energy to do all the work you do and still find the time to have such a lovely time with friends and family apart from worky amazes me.
Rock on Sue
Posted by: sue nelson | May 12th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Thank you so much for the pictures. I'm so glad that you have Alexis. We had a great day but the plans were changed because our weather was not as good as yours. It rained. My mother is 97 and we took her flowers and cards and pictures. She has a new great-great grandson and he always brings a smile to her face. Keep blogging! I'm making the chicken and dumplings from the program tonight! The chicken is cooked and the broth is ready. Can't wait!
Posted by: Barbara Harris, Zanesville, OH | May 12th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Martha,
You live such an amazing life! I have just recently become a TV watcher since my injury 2 years ago. Before then I was a nurse and work a lot of hours. Between that and my active life. I didn't do a lot of TV watching. I'm not a soap fan so I spend my TV time watching DIY and HGTV. I have been watching you with amazement. You are a true inspiration and a wonderful example of what women can do, no matter what they have to overcome. You inspire me to find other avenues to explore in my life, and the strength to let go of the past and move forward. I am inspired by you to find other avenues of enjoyment, instead of pinning over the things I can no longer do. Your strength, talents, and seamingly unending forditude are a constant inspiration to all women. Thank you so much for all that you do. Having also recently suffered the loss of my mother (last summer) I also understand your feelings of loss for such a strong and amasing women as your mother. My mother also was a strong women,(mother of 10) that got up every morning and baked biscuts and gravy, eggs, etc. for a large family. I morn with you for your great loss. I'm sure both our mothers are up in heaven, baking to their hearts desire:). God Bless and Thank you.
Debbie Pennington
Posted by: Debbie J Pennington | May 12th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
What a wonderful gift, as well as legacy for future generations to enjoy! This specimen is already strong and beautiful, just as your mother...a continual reminder of your mother's love, towering above with her loved ones close by in it's shadow. She would be so pleased with this act of generosity on her behalf!
I had been genuinely thinking of you last week as Mother's Day was approaching and hoped you'd feel her presence and warmth within on your special day.
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | May 12th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
What a lovely & thoughtful gesture and gift. I love maples, especially red maples, specifically Japanese maples. I have a maple in my front yard. When I purchased it, the man that works there who was supposedly very knowledged in all things to do with trees, pointed me to the one I ended up buying, telling me it gets red leaves in the fall. The name 'Emerald Queen' made me doubt that and I asked "are you sure?". So, needless to say...I have a maple in my front yard...with green leaves...all season long. Oh well.
Posted by: O | May 12th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
What lovely pictures! Thank you for sharing them with us, your fans.
Posted by: Sarah | May 12th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
All arround the world Martha we love your style.
Please dont change!
Marika/Queretaro/Mexico
Posted by: maria Elena Palafox | May 12th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Happy Mothers Day Martha! What a beautiful tree to honor someone who seemed so wonderful. This being my third Mothers Day of my very own, I truly am blessed by my children and wear the title of "MOMMY" very proudly! I hope your's was as special a day as mine was. Beautiful pictures too, BTW!
Posted by: Tina C | May 12th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
WOW Martha what a beautiful day you had. Simple. Your grounds are beautiful. I hope you get to enjoy them by just sitting outside. Don't you love fresh air and all the smells. Happy Mothers Day!!!
Posted by: Arlene | May 12th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
What beautiful photos. It was especially touching to see your Mom's gravestone. I lost my mom the same time you did and I was so moved by your sharing of her recipes in your magazine especially the pierogi recipe. My mom and I would make these together. She loved watching you and your mom cook together. At her funeral I passed out her favorite recipes so others could remember her when they made her special things. I am having such a difficult time with her loss. Thanks you for sharing your special memories.
Posted by: Barbara Urbiel | May 12th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Hi Martha,
I'm sure this was a bittersweet Mother's Day, being the first since your dear Mother passed. I'm glad your daughter & friend were there to celebrate with you. I only saw your Mom a few times on your show, but she always struck me as a woman of strength & character.
The highlight of my Mother's Day was that my 19 year old son called me a couple days beforehand and made arrangements to spend part of the day with me. The fact that he remembered & took the initiative made me feel very loved by him. He & his girlfriend took me out to breakfast & gave me some nice gifts.
My daughter's husband made sure she had a nice Mother's Day also.
It does a Mother's heart good to know her children are happy & having happy lives once they're grown & on their own.
Posted by: Lynda | May 12th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
What a wonderful tribute to your Mom, you were so lucky to have her with you for a long time. You had a wonderful day and God bless.
Posted by: MJ | May 12th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I love this! A special tree for one very special mother...how lovely a tribute this is to honor Big Martha.
Posted by: Sherey | May 12th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
What a lovely gesture! I love visiting your blog. Abbey
Posted by: Abbey Goes Design Scouting | May 13th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Dear Martha,
I always loved watching you and your mother on TV. This must have been a rather difficult Mother's Day for you, and I'm glad you spent it with your daughter and friend Kevin. This is my first mother's day without my wonderful husband. I had a Girls only pj party the day befor - we scrapbooked, ate, played games, ate, and watched movies. It was a lot of fun. Then on Mother's Day the rest of my husbands family joined us for a b.b.q. - everything turned out good - but was sitll sad without Charlie. I hope he was watching us and felt the love and joy.
Happy Mother's Day!
Jeanie Curry
Posted by: Jeanie Curry | May 13th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Dear Martha,
I loved the pictures of your gardens in bloom, as it brought back so many memories of my time in and around Bedford, NY. When I was in my late 20's, I worked in New York, but lived in Stamford, CT. My home was way up Long Ridge Road, almost to the New York border. In the spring, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I would take a ride up Long Ridge to Bedford, and the surrounding area. The trees and flowers were all starting to bloom. It was so beautiful and I dreamed one day that I would live there with my family. Your pictures inspired me. Your Blog is great reading, and so interesting Thank you for sharing your Mother's Day. Ellen from Las Vegas
Posted by: Ellen Brown | May 15th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I enjoyed starting many days with your mother, as we swam in the pool at the Y, often crashing into each other with minimal force. The first time we spoke, about 15 years ago, I asked how you were, and she emphatically stated, "I have SIX children, and they are ALL fine." I learned never to ask just about you. From the first day we met,I found your mother to be a friendly, sincere, compassionate & humble woman who cherished being a mother and grandmother. What impressed me most about her is that she ALWAYS asked about my son. Martha Sr. was aware of my child's scholastic interests, extracurricular activities, teenage challenges; it seems she remembered better than I what happened the previous week & was curious to catch up...how he made out with such-and-such. When the aerobics instructor was absent, I admired how your mother took over the class, with energy and enthusiasm, & I told her so. She commented that she had been a teacher, and I saw that you had a wonderful first teacher. Martha Sr. and I talked about many aspects in both our lives, and when she died, I was left with quite a few fond memories. I saw the very tail end of your show honoring your Mother & was prompted to tell you that I thought very highly of Martha Sr. She was never boastful, by the way, and would have been willing to share some of her recipes--if only I were a cook, I should have taken her up on that : ).
Posted by: Henny Katz | May 19th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Martha,
I just discovered your blog and when I read about the tree gift from your friends in memory of your mom, I almost cried. Moms are so special. I know you were very close to her and I know she's smiling down at you every day. Hope you and Alexis had a great Mother's Day. When are you gonna be a grandma????
Shelly
Posted by: Shelly Walters | May 23rd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Dear Martha, I suspect Mother's Day was difficult for you, understandably. I've often thought of you these past several months since the loss of your mother, who was such a treasure and such a pleasure to watch on your shows. It seemed so sad that she expired right around Thanksgiving, when you shine so brilliantly, and I worried how you would be able simply to put one foot in front of the other.
My own mother, who, thankfully, is in excellent health still, turned 90 on May 12th, and I served dinner for 22 on Sunday in her honor. Mother's Day Sunday would have been my late brother's birthday; we lost him suddenly last July, so Mother's Day this year was difficult for our family, too.
Posted by: Debra | May 30th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I am new to your blog and just wanted to say that I am sorry to hear about your mother. We don't have a choice when we come into this world so those of us who are lucky enough to have such wonderful parents truly do appreciate what they have done for us.
I have known George Bridge for over 20 years and that indeed was a wonderful gesture of planting a tree in your mother's memory. George takes great pride in what he does and is the consumate professional. That tree truly came from the heart.
Posted by: Jim Selgrath | June 14th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful mother. You were lucky to have her--and to have such thoughtful, caring friends.
Posted by: scott | October 27th, 2008 at 2:24 pm