And happy Mother’s day to all the mothers out there. Through some twist of fate called “I’m not a mother and am low on the library totem pole because I’m newer,” I will be working this afternoon and will l therefore neither be visiting my own mother or my MIL. (I should make sure Micah told her.)
I’ve seen a number of posts this week about really celebrating Mother’s day and not just making it a time to give an expensive gift. They’ve talked about spending time with Mom and letting her know how much you love her.
Fortunately, Mother’s day isn’t the only day out of the year that you can show your mom how much you love her. We’re time-shifting Mother’s day by a week, which should work. And each of our moms is getting special presents—-and we’re going to spend time with them. We’ll go to church with his mom, since she loves to have us there. Then lunch. Then dinner/evening with my family.
But Mother’s day shouldn’t be once a year. I’m fortunate enough to love my mom a LOT. That’s probably because she was an awesome mom growing up and continues to be, even though I’m farther away. There are a million ways to let your mom know any day how much you love her (if you do, maybe your mom sucked…it could happen).
Phone calls, e-mails, visits, especially if you’re in the area. For free calling, sign up with Skype. If you’ve both got good internet connections and microphone headsets (which can be acquired cheaply and are a one-time expense) you can have long conversations for free. Or maybe you have unlimited in-network calling with your cell phone providers.
I sometimes feel sad that I talk with my mom less now that I’m not living with her. But we do carry on conversations via the blog and e-mail and the occasional phone call.
It doesn’t have to be every day, but it can be any day. So if you can’t celebrate Mother’s day for some reason, don’t just wait until next year. You might as well start working on a date that’ll work for both of you or plan a phone call or e-mail her. Just stay in touch. That’ll mean the world.
(Incidentally, this is also my Mother’s birthday, which made me particularly disappointed not to be able to go up. However, nobody switches shifts for Mother’s day and I’m not comfortable just skipping work.)
For some other Mother’s day posts, try:
PaidTwice is reflecting on marketing and Mother’s day. They got to her!!
Jeff of MySuperChargedLife has come up with some things he thinks moms would really like for Mother’s day. I think he’s probably right.
Pinyo came up with some gift ideas…if you’re still looking! Patrick has more frugal but thoughtful gift ideas. Lazy Man suggests you give her what she actually wants…which may not be expensive diamonds.
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My mom is in Israel and I’m in California… we manage the long distance by emailing often. She also reads my blog, and says it makes her feel more connected to me.
Happy Birthday Mrs Micah’s mom!
My mum is in the UK and I am in Canada so I don’t get to see her nearly as often as I would like, I do use Skype to chat to her at least twice a week though. Mother’s day is in March back home but I’ll be sure to give her a call today to remind her I think she is awesome. All this mother’s day talk on the interwebs has made me miss her this week.
I’m sure your Mom understands having to work today. And you’re right, Mother’s Day isn’t just a once a year, Hallmark Holiday. I hope you have a great time with your Mom next week. 😉
Thanks for the mention. 🙂
Sorry you had to work! I’m sure your mom understands especially since you guys have such a great relationship. It is good to see someone honoring their mother.
Thanks for mentioning my article!
My FMIL saw a commercial on TV the other day that said cosmetic surgery is what mom really wants for Mother’s Day! Ridiculous. My mom knows how much I love her; she’s still getting stuff of course, but it’s nice to see that other people aren’t taken in by the unnecessary call for spending that these holidays are really all about.
I’m down with Mothers Day WHENEVER I can get a chance. I try to call and chat with mom at least every other day because she’s 600 miles away and we don’t get to be in touch often. She can barely turn on her computer, let alone email from it sometimes it seems. 🙂 The good ol’ fashioned phone call is what seems to make mom the most happy!
My stepdaughters worked in the yard with us yesterday…lots of gardening got done, and we had lots of good conversation, too. They lead busy lives, but always manage to take the time for us. But they don’t always manage to do lots of work like they did yesterday for us!
It was fun and much appreciated
Lisa
I agree that any day and every day should be Mother’s Day.
The designating of a particular day of the year for this may dilute the role of Moms and the duty of the children to their Moms.
One more mother’s day idea. My brother started a tradition of recognizing our mother on his own birthday. He decided that because that was the day she became *his* mother, that was a good time to thank her for everything she’s done.
And really, who can argue with that idea? (and I can’t be outdone by my brother, can I?) Of course, if you follow that out, it’s a good day to celebrate your father too (though in our case we do more our family specific stuff for our dad).
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