What does MOTHER’S DAY mean to you?
Do you gather the entire family and go out to brunch or dinner?
Do you escape to the spa with some girlfriends and come home to your favourite meal, a clean house and your family pampering you? (YES PLEASE!)
Do you host the festivities for all the moms in your family?… I hope not! But it happens.
This is the one day of the year moms need to be celebrated.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean spending lots of money. Moms are the best at loving the little things in life. That picture your child painted for you, a card with just the right words, promises to not whine, complain or fight with a sibling, a sleep in and/or breakfast in bed (even if it is just toast), a great big hug and “I love you mom, you’re the best” all work like a charm because all we’re really looking for is a small sign of love, a hint of appreciation. I’m so very proud of my children, so wherever and however we spend Mother’s Day is fine with me.
A few years ago, a dear friend of mine lost her 19 year old daughter in a car accident. SHE is a mom to celebrate. Her pain is the highest level of any pain imaginable; her world has been completely turned upside-down. Even though my own son is the same age as her daughter, it is impossible to relate. In our minds we can grieve for her loss and sympathize for her pain, but there is no way to know how that must feel. How do you get out of bed every day and continue? I find it tough some days with the normal “busy” daily life, but honestly what do I have to complain or be depressed about? If I allow my mind to imagine one of my kids being gone I can’t stand the thought and think I wouldn’t, I couldn’t survive it. They say that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, but wow, this is one thing I never want to experience and I am so sorry for anyone who has gone through this kind of loss. These moms MUST be celebrated. If you know someone who has suffered a similar loss please reach out. Send a card by snail mail or offer to spend some time with them. The pain, I am sure, will remain forever with them and this is a celebration that should not go by unnoticed.
So, what really matters to us moms?
Life, breath, laughter, love, existence! Making sure our children are raised well, know they are loved, and encouraged to know that THEY CAN do anything they want in life as long as they want it badly enough. We teach them manners, to brush their teeth, wear clean underwear and to always be kind to others but never be a doormat! It is important to not always be their “friend”. I tell my kids, “I have to put on my mom hat right now and you may not like it today but one day you will understand why I had to say no to this”. Those of us who are blessed with the miracle of children are here to teach them and raise them well.
This mother’s day give back to your kids by telling them how they make you smile, how they changed your world, how they bring you so much joy you want to shout it from the rooftops!
Spend time with one another and thank the moms in your world that got you where you are today. Remember those little things your own mom did or told you that you use with your own kids today, an I don’t mean “I brought you into this world I can take you out”.
Mom’s need to be celebrated, know they are loved, appreciated and thanked for what they have done, are doing and what is next to come. Now go on and celebrate. Happy Mother’s Day!