Once again, Mother’s Day, complete with its great expectations, is upon us.
The day, itself, is relatively new, initiated at the turn of the century by an innovative young woman who wanted simply to recognize her mom who had passed away.
Apparently, this young lady invited a few friends over to help her do that very thing, not knowing that her idea would be the light bulb that would spark dollar signs in the commercial world.
Before she knew it, greeting card companies and florists (flowers say it best) caught on to the idea and the famous Mother’s Day holiday was born.
Of course, Mother’s Day, like any other holiday brings with it all sorts of unseen problems.
The other siblings come through with the best gifts, raising the bar ridiculously high. And then there is the family who all decide to get together to buy mom the perfect gift.
Sounds good! But then somebody forgets to pay.
The other ones will pick up the tab, but, more often than not, they won’t do so happily. And, as the years roll by, they will forgive, but never will they forget.
Another scenario which should not, but could, because of the imperfect world in which we live,be one where ungrateful and/or busy children, husbands or significant others forget Mother’s Day entirely.
Later they will kick themselves, phone and apologize, and mom, who is quick to forgive, will say it’s okay.
But chances are good to excellent she, too, will not forget.
Other unfortunate incidents which may upset the Mother’s Day apple cart could include poor,exhausted florists who miscalculate their orders, run out of flowers, close early, and succumb toliquid refreshment and forget even their own mother.
Of course, best case scenario, all of the above is avoided, mom is happy with her gift, the attention and her kids.
As for me, I am so blessed to be a mom and a grandma who is loved and spoiled not just onMother’s Day, but always, that I feel quite humbled and slightly bewildered as to why I am so lucky.
I joined the ranks of motherhood on a cold and snowy day in November.
I was not awake when my son came into the world, but only became aware of his existence when the nurse’s voice interrupted the lovely darkness where I had been quite happily floating.“ Mrs. Mielke, you have a baby boy,” she said.
Still groggy from the anesthetic I remember thinking the only Mrs. Mielke I knew was my husband’s mother. And then I thought, “I have a baby? Wow!”
And then I immediately felt exhausted.
And here it is more than 40 years, three children and six grandchildren later. I still sometimes feel exhausted, but, oh, so lucky and so very grateful for Mother’s Day and all the other days in-between when someone calls me mom or, better yet, grandma.
For me, at least, it truly doesn’t get any better!