I could use this time and space to wax poetically about how motherhood as brightened my world and added an eternal lilt in my step. I could go on about how I adore my sons and want to wrap them in my motherly shawl to squeeze what’s left of their cherubic little boy bodies. I could bore you with yet another birth story or rave about my family and how I. Am. Simply. The. Luckiest. Mom. Ever.
But much of that treacly crap would be a lie. And it would be boring.
Commercialization has sucked out all the meaning from Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is like Earth Day; just show your love and gratitude through simple means everyday. It would seem Mother’s Day is the new Valentine’s Day – over the top, commercialized, guilt ridden (which does play to the motherhood theme), and tacky. Ergo…meaningless. The original founders of Mother’s Day actually spent their final years fighting against the commercialization of the day they wanted to mark simply as a nationwide nod to mothers. They wanted to celebrate the beauty of motherhood with handwritten notes, not corporate greeting cards that bear nary a personal sentiment. I must say, I’m not a greeting card girl. I would much rather have a homemade card with a handwritten note. While I’m at it, I should also tell you that I don’t like to get flowers. Give me a plant over flowers any day. Flowers die, leaving me to clean up dead petals and wash out a vase; more work for me is not a gift at all.
What I really want is a Dyson. I think I’ll just go buy one for myself, whether it’s Mother’s Day or not.
I’m toasting all the moms out there. I invite you to sit back, put your feet up, and do whatever you want with your tray table. You deserve a cool drink and a cozy spot to kick back because you are the apple of some little peanut’s eyes.
Mother’s Day Cheer
2 ounces Absolute Orient Apple vodka
1 ounce ginger ale
splash club soda
fresh mint leaves
lime wedge
Toss a few ice cubes into a rocks glass. Add vodka and ginger ale. Squeeze in lime and break a couple mint leaves into the glass. Top with club soda. Stir, sip, sit back. Do not clean up. I recommend a bell to signal when you are ready for another.
I’m going to say a simple thanks to the Fates for giving me two healthy sons and a loving mother and (mother-in-law!). And I’m going to say a simple prayer to honor those who lost their mothers.
