My mom, Linda, was a single mother from when I was 9 years old. We lived in a mobile home court and money was tight. There was no child support coming in and Mom worked long hours at the hospital. Yet, she had a creative loving mind to solve problems we faced. I learned from my Mom to not give up, there is a solution.
Gunne Sax dresses
At this time in history, Gunne Sax dresses by Jessica McClintock were all the rage, and of course as a girl, I wanted one, but they were too pricey for Mom’s budget. $50-75 back in the early 1980’s. Today they would be triple that cost. Maybe some of you ladies reading, remember these beautiful dresses? https://vintagefashionguild.org/resources/item/label/gunne-sax/
After a particular trying time in my life, my Mom decided to try to make one for me in her “spare time “. Between work, caring for my brother and I, her music obligations for church and the singing group, there wasn’t much time, but Mom knew how important that dress was. It would be a gift of love and time.
Redeem the Time
So, she made time. She gave up sleep, looked at pictures of the original, pricked her fingers with sharp needles. All so I would have that beautiful dress before an important school banquet. I learned from my Mom to redeem the time just as Eph. 5 directs us to do. Mom did this to show me her love.
It’s okay to ask for help
As time drew closer and the complicated collar and edging weren’t done, we took a drive to her old friend’s house on a Saturday morning. Her friend was an amazing seamstress, and she told Mom she would help her finish it. What a great friend, I learned from my mom it’s okay to get help sometimes.
Once the dress was finished and ready, I was in awe! It was so nice and you couldn’t tell it was homemade at all. I remember feeling so blessed and so loved by my mom’s sacrifices and love to make me that dress. I learned from my Mom, that it’s important to not be idle.
Honor our Father and Mother
As Mother’s Day approaches quickly, let’s bless our mothers if they are still with us! And if not, let’s bless the memory of what they did for us. I am thankful that I learned from my Mom to honor my Father and Mother, and it has gone well with me, just as the Scripture directs us.
Please consider reading Rachel’s article about her mother as well. https://mustardtrees.com/2026/04/09/when-a-child-calls-his-mother-she-hears/
My mother made a prom dress for me when I was in school, as well. My mom spent a lot of time and love making it for me. To be honest, I did not enjoy the prom as much as I had hoped. I was just too shy. But I’ve always remembered the time and love my mom put into making the dress. And … really….that was the important part….our relationship as mother and daughter.
You are right, the relationship is the important part! Thanks for sharing
Love your mom’s heart for going to lengths gifting you with her hand-sewn love. Thanks for sharing.