Well, Mother’s Day is always a let down for me. My husband and kids don’t do anything for me and while I’m generally fine with that, it always stings for a bit on the actual day. Today no one even said Happy Mother’s Day (until prompted, pretty late in the day), which didn’t feel great. But they did eventually get me a pastry. I suppose that’s something.
I went down to see my own mother. I gave her something because I know it means a lot to her to have these kinds of days recognized in some way. I wish my own family cared enough to do a little something, but not enough to make a big deal out of it.
My husband did give me a lot of time this weekend. I went for a run on Saturday. And for a walk with friends after. And to dinner with friends later in the day. That was all lovely.
At the park, when I ran, I kept stopping to take pictures of the poppies. I love California poppies and right now they are everywhere. It’s a super bloom, and I love it.
In between all that time away from the house, we worked on the back yard. The weeds were almost as tall as me, but the weed whacker could still handle it.
It was just a first pass and we didn’t get to the back, where bigger plants require actual cutting down with clippers. But it’s nice to feel like that space is available, and not just a wall of weeds.
After just 45 minutes my arms were covered in hives, so I had to stop. Grasses are what I’m most allergic too, and despite allergy shots, and an oral antihistamine and a steroid nasal spray, I’m still being pummeled by the pollen right now.
Today I went for a hike with my mom and we had lunch together. I worked out at home, helped the kids with some chores and then we watched two episodes of Lockwood & Co., which we’re loving. We finished the first two books and so far we’re really enjoying the series based on them. It’s been a lot of fun to read and watch these together.
And now for another week at school. I still have FIVE WEEKS until summer break. Which just feels like so many weeks. It’s going to be a loooong trek to the finish line.
My daughter made me breakfast in bed (very sweet – I always do this for her on her birthday), but my husband never even acknowledged it was Mother’s Day (like usual). I’ve tried really hard over the years to not attach meaning to their lack of effort on the day. It’s almost always my kids’ dance recitals on mother’s day and it just is what it is. I usually try to take time for myself Mother’s Day weekend without guilt and call that my gift to myself. 🙂 At least your Saturday sounded lovely!
I’m the same with grasses and pollens – have to wear long sleeves and such to even work with them. Sorry to hear you’re the same way!
2 weeks before Mother’s Day I make a suggestion about what would be nice to do that weekend; preferably free and not massive. Yupe, Saturday is often easier to do something special than Mother’s Day Sunday AND it gives my kids flexibility as well as a heads up. Your generation is so very overloaded and busy; making it easy is important.
My ideas might be a park or a museum trip where we get to museum as it opens, or going as a group to some activity of the grandchildren. Something SIMPLE to go and do as a group. A simple phone call from the family that lives several hours away because that mother also is to be recognized.
I’d recommend if you & spouse have both mothers alive saying: I’ll do x for my mom, you handle your mother.
To see or speak to each of my children on that weekend is enough because I am so lucky they and I are alive and we like, love, and support each other. Every time we can talk or be together is a celebration to me all year long. My own mother died very young, before I was grown, so for me being part of my children’s lives all these years is a huge gift.