Rethinking Mother’s Day…
I was getting my nails done today and was asked how my Mother’s Day was. It was really nice I said- went to church, visited my mom, FaceTime with my boys and enjoyed music, charcuterie and a glass of wine at my favorite winery. A great day, honestly. Of course, I asked my nail tech how her Mother’s Day was; her reply was kind of heartbreaking and also eye opening. What she said was so relatable. It also made me think deeply about the traditional way I have always viewed Mother’s Day. You know, a card and flowers and we move on. But now, I am totally rethinking this whole thing. I will be interested if your view changes, if her reply resonates with you in any way or what you think after reading her response.
Let me share with you what she said…
She told me she had worked on Mother’s Day and that it was very busy. I asked if she celebrated after she was done at the salon and her reply was “no”. She said she was too tired and that she is too tired most of the days after work to want to do anything. Being in the beauty industry, I can relate. It may not seem like it, but working in the salon is a physical job, and it can be taxing mentally as well. Being “on” all day, providing customer service, making conversation with while staying on schedule- it’s tiring. I know at the end of my day in the salon, I need time to decompress. Not only do my neck and shoulders hurt, my brain does too!
But, here are the juicy nuggets she shared with me… With regard to Mother’s Day, she really doesn’t celebrate, because she feels every day should be Mother’s Day. Not just one day a year, but E V E R Y D A Y. As single and working mom, she definitely deserves to be celebrated everyday! It can be exhausting being a mom even with a partner. It can be hard if you’re a stay at home mom. Mothering is rewarding, sure, but it can be challenging at times. I appreciate her mentality- let’s celebrate the mommas every chance possible! One day is not enough for all that we or they do.
The other gem she shared was about her birthday… She doesn’t really celebrate her birthday, because she choses to celebrates her mom instead. She told me how difficult her birth was for her mother and the hardships her family endured during that time. For her it is important to be grateful to her mother for all that she went through, giving her life, bringing her into the world. I thought that was so incredibly thoughtful and insightful. Without our moms, none of us would be here! I know one year on my birthday, I sent balloons to my dad thanking him for my birthday. My dad was touched by the gesture. What I cannot remember is if I did the same for my mom. I am sure I must have, but I don’t know…
What if you’re not a mom the old fashion way? Well, my bet is, in your life you have probably nurtured someone, cared for someone, loved someone. You may be a relative, godmother, a friend, or someone who stepped up when needed. You don’t have to be a mother in the traditional sense, that doesn’t matter and isn’t the point. I feel anyone who makes the choice to love, nurture and unselfishly give of themselves, should be honored and celebrated. Anyone who does so is awesome and amazing, deserving of celebration all year long! For your birthday, what if you shared your gratitude with someone who had a meaningful impact on your life? I have a few lovely people in my life who should really know how grateful I am for their guidance and support during my life. Can you imagine how that person would feel hearing or reading the gratitude for them? My guess is they would love it!
My birthday is in November and I will be turning 60… eek! I for sure will be thanking my mom for my special day- without her, I wouldn’t be here or be the woman I am. She was only 19 when I was born and I can only imagine how scared she must have been. Married just over a year and barely out of high school. Her life growing up was hard and she just wanted to be a mom to have someone to pour her love into. So yeah, I will celebrate her, honor her, share my gratitude… I know it would mean the world to her, especially if I do it more than just once a year.
