Once a year, we get the opportunity to give thanks to the woman who pushed us out of her vagina and into the world. She’s a special lady. You love her (most of the time), and this is your chance to show her how much you appreciate her.
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have a supportive mother. She constantly pushed me to do my best and was there for me with open arms when anything went south. We had our screaming bouts, don’t get me wrong. When I angrily told her at the age of five that “I hated her,” she swiftly went to the bathroom, grabbed a bar of soap and shoved that baby right into my mouth. I learned pretty quick not to mouth off to her anymore. But no matter the qualm, we’d always make up.
When I came out at the age of 18, she told me she already knew. There might have even been an eye roll indicating that even Stevie Wonder could see the gayness radiating from me. Following the adorable ice breaker, she gave me a hug and said she loved me – and that was it. Life returned to normal. My father who was somewhat anti-gay when I was younger, had slowly become more tolerant of it and by the time of my coming out, was completely supportive as well. I was fortunate to have a loving, caring family at that point in my life. My mom made it a priority to make sure I was happy – and she still does, even to this day.
The question is, “Is Mother’s Day a Hallmark Holiday?” Yes. Even the holiday’s creator, Anna Jarvis, said she regretted having started it in the first place due to its over-commercialization. It’s one of the busiest days of the year for florist and candy stores and of course, for the greeting card companies. A 2012 study shows that approximately $14.6 billion is spent on Mother’s Day worldwide. Of that, $1.9 billion comes from flower sales and $671 million from Mother’s Day cards. Before Anna Jarvis died in November of 1948, she was completely up in arms over the holiday that she herself had created. When speaking of the day, Jarvis said, “A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment.” She and her sister reportedly spent their family’s inheritance money trying to destroy the holiday and eventually, they both died in poverty. Ironically enough, she never married or had children. Maybe if she had a child of her own to celebrate her life, things would have gone differently for Jarvis. She would have felt the joy from receiving a bouquet of flowers. A handmade card.
I invite you to look past the corporate greed and the millionaires across the world who bank off of you buying a card and some flowers, and take a look at the intention of the holiday instead. It was created by a kind, loving thought: honoring your mother on a very special day. For one day out of the year you can buckle down and go visit her. Buy her a thoughtful gift (no not a gift card). While it isn’t necessary to buy someone material things to prove that you love them, it doesn’t exactly hurt to either. If you don’t have the dough, make her something by hand – she’ll love you still the same. She gave you life and let’s face it, she won’t always be here. If she isn’t here, celebrate her anyway.
Love you mom.
