Make it a Happy Mother's Day

I love to run this reader letter on Mother's Day weekend. I think it speaks well about how the celebration should look. How are you honoring the woman who gave you your life then sacrificed hers to give you every opportunity?


Dear Linda:

I’m an avid reader of your special column.  I’ve been particularly interested in your Mother’s Day columns. They’ve included lovely ideas for honoring mothers. I’ve been moved to tears, because it doesn’t occur to my children, who live close, to do anything for me besides a call. Perhaps I should be content, but it’s hurtful that they never include me in their celebrations.


It isn’t as though they don’t know better. When my husband and our mothers were alive, we made Mother’s Day a special time. In the morning, I’d be awakened to breakfast in bed. The tray was decorated with flowers, gifts and cards that expressed love. My husband involved the children in the preparation of the food, and though the toast was sometimes burned and the eggs runny, nothing ever tasted better.



Afterwards, we dressed-up and visited our moms. Though they didn’t need much, we gave them something that made their growing dependence easier, and my husband never neglected to buy “each of his gorgeous gals” a corsage.



Then we all attended church. The service addressed the importance of honoring mothers—that it was small repayment for their innumerable sacrifices made constantly for the betterment of the family. We’d be filled with an urgency to express gratitude, particularly with an aging mother.



After, we’d dine out—often in the next county so we could see the spring flowers. We’d tour the town and antiqued. We’d end the day at “our favorite” ice cream shop for banana splits. We all looked forward to the day with great excitement. I don’t know how my children have forgotten, and I worry that I’m selfish to expect more.


Signed a Sad Mom

Dear Sad Mom:


I don’t think you’re being selfish to desire more. You letter speaks beautifully to the spirit of the day. Please give them this column to read and discuss.