These are the gorgeous flowers I received on Mother’s Day from our daughter, Serenity, and all her men large and small. They each wrote a little card which she tied around the pot. So sweet. I’m pretty sure I’ll kill the flowers eventually. I usually do. But I’ll keep the pot. And the cards. And this picture.
(Note to Serenity’s siblings: read on before you start feeling guilty.)
I think Mother’s Day has the potential for more angst and trouble than just about any other made-up-by-Hallmark holiday. I know Valentine’s Day is a bummer for the singles in our lives. Or the widowed. Or the basically broken-hearted. But Mother’s Day has so many opportunities for epic fail for about half the population of the United States.
I see this from both perspectives: As the daughter who seriously forgot until Friday that she should have bought her mother a card. And mailled it. Also as the mother who knows her own far-away children will have suffered a similar lapse.
So, I decided long ago to do something for myself on Mother’s Day. I released expectations. For myself. For my children. For the poor man I’m married to who never knows what to do with my emotional outbursts anyway.
This year, I even went a step further. I planned my own party. On Friday (when I realized I’d forgotten cards) I told my kind husband, “I’d like to go out for lunch on Sunday instead of cooking.” He agree. “And, I want to take a drive on Saturday and see your mother, my mother, and whatever children and grandchildren we can round up in the state of Missouri.”
And so, we did. It was a delightful day for a drive. I connected with all the far-away children on Facebook, which is our favorite hang-out these days. And I hugged the necks of three generations of people I love. It was a practically perfect day, I’d say.
Next year, I’m arranging breakfast in bed.
It is so clear in this post that I’m the best one.
But yep, that’s the key – letting go of expectations. Or if you have some, you better make them happen yourself.
So true. About making them happen yourself, I mean. The favorites thing is a minefield.
I knew Seren was your favorite.
I did the same thing this year, actually. I chilled out, and enjoyed the cards the girls made for me at church, and tried not to think about the Hallmark moment I wished the day had been. 🙂
Last year, this year probably would have made me cry.
Annnnnd, I do feel a little guilty. I don’t even think I called you that day….
I knew this post might backfire! Seriously, I did not feel neglected. I always feel the love.
You are my favorite, too.
So glad to know I’m not the only woman who gifts myself on Mother’s Day. My son is always generous, but I give him hints. This year – a Selah CD and new jammies – just because.
What a great gift! Good for you, RJ.
You”re right, the expectations on everyone’s part can ruin the whole day. I think everyone has figured out that this Mom likes a day to herself, and not having to cook a meal. Flowers and food are always a go, but certainly not expected. We all just enjoy the day that way.
Amen, Sista!