Happy Mother's Day

I grew up with a rather cynical attitude about Mother's Day.  I learned that the person who founded the observance became disappointed in how commercialized it became just a few years after she started it.  I saw it as a marketing device for furniture stores, restaurants, florists and greeting card companies.  I love sending and receiving Christmas cards, so I don’t begrudge greeting card companies the opportunity too much.  They have to make a living from one Christmas to the next.  I became a little annoyed this year because 1-800-FLOWERS sent me at least two emails a day over the past week.  I used them to send flowers to my late mother in past years.

Mother's Day may be commercial, but it is still an opportunity to express gratitude.  I am grateful for the woman who gave me life.  She not only gestated me for nine months, but also gave me survival skills.  She made sure I learned how to tell time and learned how to swim.  She taught me some manners.  I am also grateful for the woman who bravely bore me a fine son.  She continues to provide our child with care and attention.  She works with me to teach our child the skills he will need to survive and thrive.

As a male, I probably cannot completely comprehend what women go through in pregnancy and childbirth.  I appreciate all they do to teach and nurture the children.