I read an article earlier this week suggesting that about 78% of women don’t like Mother’s Day. For various reasons it makes them uncomfortable or sad. And I can totally understand that. In the past, it’s seemed kind of lame to me. Forced gifts, potted flowers that I’d manage to kill in a day or two, and cold breakfast in bed (because by the time you get it all together and get it up the stairs to the bedroom, what breakfast isn’t cold?).

This year I got a new perspective.

This year my husband focused less on a gift and more on the giving. He planned ahead. And he put in a TON of effort. Not to do any big thing… but to do ALL the little things. He made breakfast, lunch, dinner AND dessert. And he did all the dishes. And he got the kids ready for bed. He spent darn nearly all day in the kitchen, and by the time it was over he was exhausted.

There is, of course, the side of me that was just excited about this so that he can see what it takes just to simply survive one day as me. Not that he’s ever judged me when the house isn’t clean when he comes home. No, far from it. But who doesn’t like it to have someone walk a mile in their shoes?

But mostly, this was one fantastic Mother’s Day because he devoted every ounce of his soul into serving me today. Not pampering… there were no peeling of grapes or fanning with palm leaves, and my feet are still badly in need of a pedicure. But genuinely lifting the load from my shoulders and doing too many little things to count. And it was nice.

The article I read said that one reason mothers don’t like Mother’s Day is because they hear all kinds of stories of wonderful mothers who did amazing things and never raised their voices and always baked fresh bread, and it makes the rest of us feel incompetent, and adds to our list of stuff we wish we could be better at. But then it went on to say that what motherhood is really about is all those little things. The feeding of three square meals a day (plus snacks), and providing a safe and loving home where the kids can spill paint and pee on the floor and go to bed on (almost) clean sheets knowing they’ll get to wake up and do it all over again and that their mom’s going to be there for them.

So, thank you honey, for showing me how important all those little things are. How nice it is to go about a day knowing it’s just going to be there. Maybe if that’s all I do for my kids in this lifetime, I’m most of the way there.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t give a big thank you to my mom. If there’s anyone who did (and continues to do) all those little things, it’s my mom. She did the big things too, but – as a single mom for much of my life – she managed to get dinner on the table almost every night. She kept us safe. She kept us warm. She kept us clothed, and bought us instruments and computers and got me through college. And we knew that no matter what, she would be there fighting for us till the end of time. And even today, I know that she’s got my back, whether I’m having my own babies, or navigating this tough sea of motherhood, she’s there supporting me, serving me and cheering me on. And though I always was grateful for it, I know now just what a big deal that really is. So, thanks mom.

This is the kind of Mother's Day bouquet I can get behind... one I don't have to water!!!

The Munchkins that make it all possible