While many mothers may actually look forward to the second Sunday in May, I can’t say I do.
It’s not that I hate it or anything. It just doesn’t make me want to back flips.
In case you didn’t know this Sunday is Mother’s Day.
It’s the one day of the year when you’re obligated to buy Mom an over-priced bouquet of flowers, a shiny new necklace, chocolates and a spa treatment.
Been there, done that.
Retailers love Mother’s Day if you couldn’t tell by the bombardment of ads that we see for all of the “perfect” Mother’s Day gifts. I think I read somewhere that Mother’s Day is one of the top “holidays” for retailers. I can’t say I’m surprised. But I can say that it makes me sad.
While it’s great to be recognized for all of the jobs that fall under the mommy umbrella, I don’t need my family to pay homage on one day. I know it’s just a gesture, but sometimes I hate when people do things because they are expected of them. It means so much more when it comes out of nowhere and for no real reason in particular.
The real meaning of Mother’s Day comes in everyday life. It comes in the “I love you’s” and hugs my kids give me everyday because they want to, not because they feel like it’s what they should be doing on Mother’s Day.
The real meaning of Mother’s Day is when your child says a big thank-you for chaperoning a class trip.
The real meaning of Mother’s Day is when your kids ask you to snuggle up on the couch with them to watch TV.
The real meaning of Mother’s Day is when your child isn’t feeling well and only wants mommy to comfort them.
The real meaning of Mother’s Day is when your kids do a household chore without you screaming at them to do it.
The real meaning of Mother’s Day is when your child colors you a picture of your family because they want to, not because their teacher told them it was time to make Mom a Mother’s Day card.
The real meaning of Mother’s Day is when your kids tell you that you look pretty when you’re not especially feeling that pretty at the moment.
The real meaning of Mother’s Day can’t be measured in flowers, chocolates, or facials. It’s measured in those special moments that you just want to bottle up and save forever.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommas out there! May you find the real meaning of Mother’s Day.