Although you, my devoted readers and fans, likely are reading this on Mother’s Day, it was written several days ahead of time, so I have no idea what kinds of surprises this special day will hold for me.
I am looking forward to Mother’s Day but, to be honest, any gesture at all will make it memorable — as long as it’s evident my husband put some thought into it. Really, that’s all I want — to know that he channeled some effort into somehow thanking me for doing such a great job with our daughter. Expensive gifts and elaborate meals aren’t necessary.
Yes, I know that technically my husband isn’t under any obligation to do something nice for me on Mother’s Day since I’m not his mother. However, since my daughter is only 1, that means the responsibility falls on my husband by default — at least I think it does. And he’s been made aware of this.
I haven’t made specific demands or outlined any expectations, but I do think I’ve made it clear that I would like to observe the day in some way, shape or form. After all, Mother’s Day is important. It’s one of the few holidays people have to earn the right to celebrate.
Anyone can enjoy a good meal on Thanksgiving, tear into presents on Christmas, pop open a champagne bottle on New Year’s Day or light up a sparkler on the Fourth of July. But moms work incredibly hard for the recognition they’re due on Mother’s Day.
All year long, women devote themselves tirelessly and wholeheartedly to the care and betterment of their children and families. They shop, cook, clean, tackle chores, bathe babies and toddlers, change diapers, pack lunches, run carpools, ferry kids to and from activities, make doctor’s appointments, help with homework and, basically, ensure things run smoothly. Moms don’t do it for recognition, gifts or fancy dinners. They do it because the love a mother feels for her family is so great it cannot adequately be described with words.
I don’t expect anyone to spoil me rotten for a day or completely excuse me from regular daily routine of housework and child care. I do realize that I’m not the only one who is busy keeping the household running (my husband is very helpful, by the way). But a small expression of gratitude definitely would go a long way, in my book.
So, if you haven’t already been in touch with your mother today, pick up the phone and thank her for all she does. If she’s nearby, plan dinner for her or drop off a card. She’ll likely be thrilled by any gesture — big or small.
I know what you’re thinking. Yes, I did make sure to take care of my own mom today. She should be digging into a box of chocolate-covered strawberries right about now and browsing Nordstrom’s website with a gift card in her hot little hand. I know she’ll insist I did too much but, honestly, sending her a couple of gifts was the least I could do. Her sacrifices over the years have been immeasurable, and I just want her to know they haven’t gone unnoticed. That’s what it really boils down to.