The Importance of Mother’s Day

I’ll be honest, growing up, I never really put too much thought into the true meaning of why we celebrate holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Sure, I would buy them a small gift or card and send them a text; but my family didn’t really have any special traditions for it. So what was the significance if we didn’t really celebrate?

This was the million dollar question that I didn’t understand until I became a mom. You see, as kids, we often assume our parents know how much we appreciate them. We assume that they don’t need a little reassurance every once in a while. On the other hand, as parents, sometimes we get caught up in the chaos of every day life.

During motherhood, the definition of “mayhem” changes just like the seasons. As a new mom, it’s a complete lifestyle transition. Your days become consumed by diaper changes, feeding sessions, and sleepless nights. Although this stage is draining mentally, emotionally, and physically, it is only temporary.

Soon those bottles turn into sippy cups; and those sleepless nights transform into lullabies and bedtime stories. As your little one crushes each milestone, he/she becomes more independent. Which makes it all the more rewarding.

As their needs evolve, so does your purpose as their mother. What was once considered disarray is now routine. Before you know it, they’re preparing for their first day of grade school. The little toddler wandering about your house is now a growing child wearing a backpack running towards the bus.

Your new definition of anarchy is time-management. Between school work, house chores, birthday parties, bath time, and bedtime, you utilize every waking second and try to make the most of it. No matter how organized you are….there never seems to be enough time in the day. As much as you’d like to…you just cannot seem to find wiggle room to squeeze in self-care. But don’t worry, you will have plenty of time to catch up on alone time later; and, when you do, you’ll be grateful you remained present while you still could.

Why? Because those kids become teenagers. They meld into their own being. They are more involved in extra-curricular activities, hangout with their own friends, and get their license. As their level of independence increases so does your anxiety. 

(Yep, those sleepless nights don’t ever go away with age). In fact, I’m sure those sleepless nights feel like an eternity as you wait up by the phone. Why? Because you realize their problems are no longer solved by simply holding them close and rocking them to sleep. You realize that, no matter how much you want to, you can’t keep them contained in a bubble forever.

Instead, your new purpose is to prepare them for the next phase of life….adulthood. Once you do, the mayhem and anxiety doesn’t just disappear; it multiplies. I know because I see it in my own life. As an adult, my parents still worry about me. 

For example, my mother always said that becoming a grandma was the most exciting but stressful thing because she had no control over how my pregnancy would go and if I would have a healthy delivery. Needless to say, she was ecstatic and relieved once we delivered our healthy girl with zero complications.

Now, I may not have a teenager or adult child yet, but one day I will. And, when she reaches those stages of life, I hope she will have a better grasp of why we celebrate holidays like Mother’s Day. 

We celebrate it because of the sacrifices they (moms) make…to celebrate the hurdles they have overcome…to honor her perseverance, unconditional love, and selflessness. The purpose is not to just say “I love you. Happy Mothers Day!” It’s not extravagant gifts. It’s reassurance that she’s done a wonderful job. It’s gratitude for all that she’s provided. And it’s quality time. 

So, even if you don’t have traditions…even if you don’t take her somewhere fancy or buy her a gift, please just give her your time and undivided attention for a while. Give her the intangibles like acknowledgement, thanks, and time. After all, she’s given you her time, now it’s your turn.

“Thank you, mom, for everything you do. You are the glue that holds us all together. I love you!”

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmas, and soon to be moms!

Sincerely,

The learning mom!