I hear people grunt and groan about the holidays. "They have become too commercialized", or "I just can't afford another gift right now". It saddens me. Holidays don't have to be about the money. The gifts that are remembered are the ones that come from the heart. Particularly on Mother's Day. For those of us who were lucky enough to have a mother who took time out of her life to make sure our needs were met, Mother's Day should be particularly important. As we grew up, dad was the rock who kept us safe and secure, but mom, well, mom was the pillow that caught us when we fell. She could take our heartache and fears and make us believe that everything would be all right. Her kiss on the latest 'boo-boo' seemed to magically make the pain disappear. Her joy and pride at even our most minor accomplishments made us feel like we could take on the world. I will never forget when I was four. Mom had me drink my milk each afternoon on the little enclosed porch that was just off the kitchen. One day, she was in the kitchen cleaning up and I sat there afraid. I kept hearing noises and was sure that there was a ghost. I yelled in at her "Mom?" She replied, "Yes, Trish." "Mom I hear ghosts." She reassured me there was no such thing as ghosts. The next day, the same thing happened. Again she told me not to be afraid. That could have been the end of it but I guess she thought about it, figured out what I was hearing, and wanted to put my mind at ease. That afternoon she took me upstairs to meet the people who lived above us. Apparently they had just moved in and that was the sounds I had been hearing. I wasn't afraid anymore and that was that. However as I look back on it, I am so grateful to have had a mother who cared enough to not just reassure me, but to convince me there was nothing to be afraid of. Many of us have these kinds of memories. The ones that at the time, we take for granted, but as we grow older, we come to appreciate how much our mother loved us and sacrificed to make our lives better. After all, even if your mother wasn't perfect, chances are, she did the best she could. If you are still lucky enough to have your mother in your life, do something special this Mother's Day. Giving a gift is fine but should be done within your budget and without complaint, but go beyond that. Remember one special thing your mother did for you. Write her a card, letter, or note telling her how much it means to you that she was that kind of mother. Let her know that you love and appreciate her everyday. The next time you complain about another holiday or having to come up with the money for another gift, remember this: Mom deserves at least one day a year to be in the spotlight. A time to be reminded how very much she is loved and needed in your life. |
