To all the moms who are currently hiding in the bathroom so they can have five minutes to read, or who are using this one day of motherly appreciation to stay in bed, waiting for the half-cooked, running eggs and burnt toast to arrive, replete with lukewarm, overly sweet coffee that’s definitely going to spill when they trip over the cat on the way down the hallway, I salute you and hope that you have a wonderful Mother’s Day.
If you’re already past this stage and now have children who are old enough to purchase a present for you all by themselves, then perhaps you’re brushing up on your acting skills as you feign joy and excitement over a drugstore perfume that could peel the paint off a rusting car. Or maybe it’s another #1 MOM keychain/mug/pen/[insert item here] to add to your lovely collection. Here’s wishing you a relaxing and wonderful day.
When I asked my dear friend what she was doing to enjoy her special day, she responded that her family was threatening to cook for her. I think that was a completely appropriate estimation of how us moms feel. Because the family that cooks together, rarely cleans together. And while the very proud chefs put their feet up post-feast, they often pat one another on the back, oblivious to the mess that mom is now clearing away. Most times, it is not any ordinary mess either, but a colossal disaster that involves nearly every bowl she’s ever owned and most of her silverware. This is probably one of the reasons that Mother’s Day is the biggest restaurant day of the entire year.
Another friend, when asked the same question, told me she had asked her husband to take all the family members, including the four-legged ones, out of the house for one whole hour. So that she can take a nap. Alone. By herself. In an empty house.
Do you have more then one brilliant, loving and amazing child? Then maybe your Mother’s Day wish is for your offspring to not argue. No bickering, debates, needling, instigating, poking or sarcastic badgering that make you want to tear your hair out while you pray to whatever higher power in which you believe for the patience to not scream, “STOP.” Stop yelling, stop talking, stop looking at one another, stop thinking about one another and maybe even stop breathing in the same room. Whatever it takes to get five freaking minutes of peace.
But we should all be happy that we’re better off then one of my favorite moms, who will spend this day holding back her little ones hair while she vomits. Her house has been visited by the never-welcome stomach flu. It turns out that viruses don’t care if it’s supposed to be your one special day, where you can relax, be spoiled and pampered. They just hang out in your house, like an aunt who smells like mothballs, criticizes your parenting (in a passive-aggressive way) and doesn’t really seem to like you, but also doesn’t seem to want to leave. Ever.
On this day, I will spend the morning hours enjoying brunch with my own mother and family. We will dote on each other, exchange gifts and generally have a lovely morning filled with gentle teasing, laughter, old stories and lots of warm-fuzzies.
I usually use this space to give motherhood a hard time, a little jab in the ribs. But at the end of the day, I can assure you that I know that I am blessed beyond measure. My kids are healthy, compassionate and intelligent people. They have a strong respect for others but also know the importance of self-respect. They love this family wildly and trust each other without bounds. They know that each person fights their own private battles and the only way to know you are sending good out into the world is to treat others as you would like to be treated. Not one day goes by that I don’t give thanks for all the beauty in my life.
So my Mother’s Day wish is that you will have a day filled with all the things that bring you joy, that you will be surrounded by love and laughter, hugs and smiles, and at least five minutes of appreciation; appreciation for you, and appreciation for all the beauty in your life.
Since I really hope you’re not cooking, and I especially hope you’re not cleaning up after the cooking, I’ve included a recipe that makes little mess and can be prepared in seconds. Oh, and it’s not for food. It’s for bath salts. So you can hide in the bathroom for even longer. Lock the door, crank up the music and enjoy your day (because it 364 days until it happens again).
There are lots of recipes available, but the most basic one is salt, baking soda and essential oil.
Bath Salts
3 cups Epsom Salt
2 cups sea salt
1 cup baking soda (optional)
1/2 ounce essential oil (lavender is relaxing, eucalyptus and mint are invigorating, etc. Choose your favorite)
Mix dry ingredients. Add essential oils and mix well. Store in a mason jar with a tight lid.
What did you get for Mother’s Day this year? Let me know at laurie@riverheadlocal.com.
