My Mother’s Days have changed a lot in the thirteen years I’ve been a mom. At first – getting a break from the baby was the best present of all. I remember taking a long hot shower, luxuriating in a cup of coffee, browsing at the library, and taking a walk all by myself. Nowadays, I like to spend at least part of the day with my family.
I like to do something that is fun for all of us, but I also like to stretch their horizons a little. So I don’t pick things like putt-putt or an arcade or pizza. I like to drive to a city zoo that we don’t go to often, or to a museum, or to a special restaurant. Some years we drive across town to our favorite Thai restaurant, this year we are planning on Indian food.
Last year instead of an afternoon off, or chocolate, or flowers, I asked for a canvas and metal gazebo for our patio. I’d wanted one a long time, but hadn’t felt like we had the money. It was more expensive than my average mother’s day present, but I figured it was something we could all use. And it was. The gazebo quickly became one of favorite presents ever. Our patio isn’t shaded at all, and it gets too hot to sit outside. With the gazebo though, we could eat dinner, or ice cream, or even breakfast in the shade. Being able to eat outside gave a more relaxed summer feel to our meals. Instead of rushing back to the computers and TV we sat outside and talked. As we lingered after dinner the kids wandered off to the swing set or played on the trampoline. I think this year I’ll ask for some lights for my gazebo, so we can sit outside even longer.
Here’s to a wonderful Mother’s Day, no matter how you celebrate!
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Dear Gentlemen, Mother’s Day is Coming