Mother’s Day means many things to different people depending on their circumstances.
For a new mum it is exciting to have a new day to celebrate for themselves, and if their child is old enough to make them a card or present, or help choose one then they start to understand how important this day is, away from all the marketing hype. They see the excitement in their child’s eyes as they give them their precious gift, be it an ashtray when you don’t smoke, a candle when you’re scared of burning the house down or a bunch of flowers from the garden when you have chronic hayfever….

Mother’s Day is definitely the day when the saying “it’s the thought that count’s” is so very very true.

For a mum of kids that have flown the nest it is hopefully an opportunity to hear their voice on the phone or receive a card and gift that says “I Love you, I appreciate all the years you put in to loving me, and I know that will never end.”

For a mum who has lost a child in utero or any age - it is a reminder of how motherhood never goes away, even with empty arms, that child is always in your heart and you will always be their mum.

For a child (even one who is now an adult) who has lost a mum it is a hard day, but a day to remember all the joys of your relationship and to remember that she will never leave you – and how lucky you were to have that in your life. For a child who has never known a mother it can be an empty time, but perhaps choosing to acknowledge and send love to someone who has been like a mum to you can make it special – even if that person is your Dad!

For a child who forgets that mums need to be reminded they are loved – it’s an opportunity to remember what your mum went through to give birth to you, the sacrifices along the way to keep you healthy, happy, safe and educated.

For the husband or partner of a mother – and this is one of the most important, it is a time to remember not only your own mother, but to remember that you participated in your other half becoming a mother, and she deserves your love and gratitude for that too. No excuses like “but she’s not MY mum, why do I need to get her anything?” – she is the mother of YOUR children, just like you are the father of her children, and she will make sure you are appreciated on Father’s Day, just the way you want to be.

And here’s a hot tip for you resentful hubbies out there who don’t get why the mother of your children needs YOUR appreciation for being a mum – you try pushing a bowling ball out of your nether regions then breast feed it from cracked nipples until the child is old enough to bite.

I know my hubby had good intentions for Mother’s Day – he managed to get me what I wanted (chocolate and a camp chair for soccer watching) – bought the day before of course! And he took over breakfast and organised a family BBQ so we could get together with his mum – I could have done without the stress of listening to him trying to get the kids ready, and I could have done without the look on his face that was saying “let’s get this over with, so I can lay down and rest in front of the telly.” – but hey, it’s the thought that counts.

Mother’s Day was once called Mothering Sunday, a chance to celebrate everything about mothers and even further back, in the days of pagan celebrations, it was a rite to celebrate the fertility of the mother earth, and of all women, because without the fertility of the earth no new crops or trees for shelter and warmth would grow, and without the fertility of women no children would be born – in fact, back then it was not understood what part men had in a child being born – it was simply a miracle that came from women themselves.

So, mums I hope you felt taken care of on Mother’s Day, and I hope you loved everything you were given, even if it was just a phone call. My mum lives a long way away and I know that no matter what gift I send, or how long we spend on the phone, the best present of all would be to hug my mum in person and tell her she is the love of my life – for where would I be without her?

Oh and guys – just a reminder, we may not be YOUR mums, but we are mums because you helped make us that way – thank us genuinely for all the little things we do as well as bringing your offspring into the world, because you can bet we are already thinking of what we can get you to show we love you on Father’s Day, because that is what women do.

AND girls – if he buys you a fishing rod and you don’t fish, either he wants to spend more time with you OR he is giving you permission to buy him a manicure and bikini wax for Father’s Day.
Enjoy!!