The saying goes, “The only constant in life is change.” I realized this week how this also applies to Mother’s Day.
First of all, “Happy Mother’s Day” to all moms and those who act like moms. Maybe you’re a grandmother, aunt, sister, coach, teacher, youth leader or just a good friend to someone.
I realized this year that Mother’s Day is not always a happy day for some.
Maybe you didn’t have a good relationship with your mom. My wife had a strained relationship with her mother and was raised by her grandparents. Her grandmother and aunt “mothered” her.
Maybe you never had children either by choice or medical reasons. It can be a tough day.
And, for many of us, mom has passed away. My nieces are dealing with that this year. My sister-in-law (their mom) passed away last week. I guess she was my ex-sister-in-law since she and my brother divorced but I have always considered her family so to heck with the “ex” part.
Yes, Mother’s Day changes over the years. Little Petey probably made those popsicle stick gifts for mom or a macaroni necklace. I can’t remember that far back. Later in life we would go out for dinner. She always liked the Daniel Webster Inn in Sandwich.
When children came along we would often take my mom out on Saturday so my wife, Priscilla, could celebrate Mother’s Day with our children. Of course, for the first few years dad was in charge of making Mother’s Day happen. I do remember those “breakfast-in-bed” Mother’s Days. Four young children can make one helluva mess in the kitchen making mom breakfast. My gift to my wife was cleaning that up after we all ate.
I miss those days.
Am I the only dad who loved it when they got older? My job got a lot easier.
“Mother’s Day is Sunday. Did you guys get her anything? Good.”
Now they are grown up and on their own. My two girls are mothers now, my daughter-in-law too. They all do a terrific job and I hope they have a great day today. They celebrated their mom yesterday so they can have their day today. I have something for my wife and we’ll probably go for a nice ride to one of our favorite ice cream places today then I’m going to make her a nice dinner tonight.
Change. One of the things you can count on in this life. I try to appreciate the past but move on and embrace the change.
Wherever you are in the whole “Mother’s Day” experience, I hope you find a way to enjoy the day. Think of your mom or think of the person who acted like a mom for you. Call her if she’s still with us.
Enjoy your time with your own children if you have them. And if you don’t have children…enjoy your day and celebrate YOU! Buy yourself some flowers or have your favorite meal or some ice cream. You can never go wrong with your favorite ice cream.
As for me…I’m just going to spend some time remembering those macaroni necklaces and the messy kitchen as my wife ate her burnt toast and runny eggs.
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