In the 3rd grade, my teacher, Mrs. Donna Pittman, helped my classmates and me make May Day baskets for our mothers. They were made out of construction paper and we filled them with Kleenex flowers. She was a wonderful teacher who took me on my first camping trip in the mountains of Colorado. I've often thought about her over the years and the impact she had on my life.

Years ago, as a young bride, I loved to pour over the pages of Victoria Magazine. It must have been around 1992, when I spotted my first May pole on the pages of that classic publication. I've wanted to create one ever since, and today, the kids and I did just that. It's only taken me 17 years, but as my Daddy would say, "better late than never."

Up until this year, I'm certain I've worked every May 1, since I was 16. I'm so grateful for the extra time I've had at home with my children over the last 11 months. From the Old Testament Book of Joel: The Lord restores the years the locusts have eaten.