“The First Bouquet”

It was Emma’s first Mother’s Day. Her newborn, Lily, was only six weeks old, too young to know the day’s significance—but that didn’t stop Emma from waking up feeling emotional.

She hadn’t slept much. The night had been full of cries, bottle feeds, and diaper changes. But as dawn filtered through the curtains, she found herself cradling Lily in the quiet, peaceful light.

Then she heard the sound of little footsteps. It was Max, her 5-year-old stepson, standing nervously in the doorway. In his small hands was a bouquet of dandelions and daisies—wildflowers from the backyard, clumsily tied with a ribbon from a cereal box toy.

“I picked these,” Max said, holding them up. “Because you’re Lily’s mom. And mine too, now.”

Emma’s eyes filled with tears. She reached out and hugged him, careful not to wake the baby.

That morning, there were no fancy gifts, no brunch reservations, no cards. Just a tiny bouquet, a quiet house, and a moment that made Emma feel more seen and loved than she ever expected.

It was her first Mother’s Day—and one she would never forget.