Sunday, May 8, 2011

On This Mothers' Day

I would like to take a moment to wish all moms a happy day. 

I never really appreciated my mother until I became one, myself.  It is truly a job that is not for the faint of heart.  Being a mom requires stronger stuff.  I am not a gushy person; I am more of an in-your-face-realist.  In that vein of thought, I have decided that Mothers' Day is overrated for those with small children. The only ones who really think that Mothers' Day is awesome are old moms whose children have grown up. These people have been able to get their young ones out of the house with some reasonable sense of sanity remaining, and because of that, they deserve to be celebrated.  I am not in a hurry for my children to grow up too fast, but on days like this, I do look forward to seeing how they will turn out and what I will get from them when I am old and, hopefully, appreciated.

I am looking forward to being old with grown children with my sanity in tact so that I will be able to enjoy the beautiful roses my husband buys me for more than thirty minutes because after thirty minutes one or both children decide that the roses are for other things than admiration:  a paint brush, or a stirring stick, or just to be taken apart so that the petals may be counted.

I am looking forward to having my grown children having me over for dinner and telling me how awesome I was as a mom, even if they are lying through their teeth.  On this one magical day of the year, I will be celebrated as not only wonderful, but also insightful, patient, kind, patient, caring, patient, beautiful, patient, giving, and patient.

I am looking forward to being served breakfast in bed that is for me alone unless I want to share.  Upon waking up in the daylight, I will have this fabulous meal on a tray with an unbeaten rose in a small vase, and I will be able to eat with relish...in silence...and not have grubby fingers digging my strawberries out of my bowl. First person singular possessive pronouns will be a part of my vocabulary again in reference to inanimate objects.

I am looking forward to celebrating Mothers' Day when I am old because I can then say that I have survived motherhood.  I will have conquered the most difficult job on the planet, and will have come out on the other side with dignity, respect, and only half of my hair pulled out.

Moms everywhere, I salute you.  Whether you are on the other side watching and being celebrated, or, like me, you are looking forward to being celebrated, I hope you enjoy your day.