All your life, you have known an amazing woman; a woman who works hard for you every day. She goes to work, she cooks, she bakes, she does laundry, she cleans the house… maybe she even picks up those plates and glasses you leave everywhere without complaint. For as long as you have been alive, she has sacrificed her own wants in order to give you everything. The evenings and weekends she might have spent out with friends were spent helping you with homework, driving you to and from various games and clubs, taking you to your friends’ houses and staying up late (even if she knows you won’t be back that night) just in case you call.
Why would she make all these sacrifices for you, and never ask for anything in return? Because she is your mother and she loves you, unconditionally and irrevocably, no matter how many arguments you’ve gotten into over the years. As a mother, she will always love you and will always do what is best for you, no matter what else she has to give up.
She has dedicated her whole life to you, and there is only one day dedicated to returning the favor. So don’t write it off as a small holiday. Don’t settle for picking up flowers last minute and giving them to her hurriedly as you run out the door to meet your friends. She has given you her life, the least you can do is give her this day.
Don’t buy her a stereotypical gift. Flowers and jewelry aren’t out of the question, but don’t just grab the first one on the rack. Find her unique mothers day gifts that she is going to remember forever. If she likes gardening, see if your local nursery has gift cards. If she has been gawking at some new baking supplies, look into getting those. Even if you have to ask her what she wants directly, she’ll be glad that you’re taking an interest in her life.
Then, when Mother’s Day comes, wish her “Happy Mother’s Day” with her present and a big hug and then ask what she wants to do that day. She might try to say “I don’t know, what do you want to do?” because she’s so used to doing things for you. If she does, start making suggestions – maybe there’s a museum she’d be interested in, or a movie she hasn’t had a chance to see. Maybe you could help her around the house for the day, leaving her some time to relax. You can even let her leave you a list of chores to do while she goes out with her friends for once. Just make sure you actually do the work.
Whatever you do, keep in mind that you’re honoring your mother, not just a day on the calendar, and she’ll appreciate the effort.
*Post from our friend Jessie A.
Thanks for the reminder. I want to do something special for my mom and for my wife. My wife has dedicated herself to raising our son by quiting her job and staying home with him.
Thanks for the suggestions. It will be here before you know it. My mom is 75, so time spent with her is precious!