MEEKER I Here we go, one more thing that will be far from normal, Mother’s Day. While we are social distancing and restaurants are closed, the traditional ways of honoring our mothers are also left behind. Hosting family meals, dining out or sending fresh flowers feel like luxuries these days.
Here in Meeker, many of you live near your mothers, daughters, and daughters-in-law who are moms. We hold all of you tightly and honor your commitment to family. In recent months, we have been tested in unexpected ways and one of the hardest is 100% parenting time with no break for you or your children.
Even my daughter-in-law, living in Oregon, who is one of the most patient, caring, full time mothers told us recently, “I know why parents want to scream at their kids.” She and our son were ready to put our very active 4-year old grandson in kid soccer and similar activities to help him burn off energy and make friends. Now, of course, he can’t even go to a local playground and I suspect like many children, thinks he is being punished.
We can call or Face Time or Zoom with our moms. She has taught us to use these technical resources and we are grateful for them, but they are not the same as personal togetherness.
I usually send flowers to my mom who lives in a retirement community in Virginia. She prefers “non-consumable gifts.” It is hard to gift her with anything. Now, her lock down is very extreme, so even receiving flowers would be difficult.
This year I will pay for a visit to her hair salon, whenever it opens, and just hope to provide something practical along with a call and a card. Even her local family can’t visit, so Mother’s Day will be another day of isolation for her.
I remember the many mothers who already passed on. My generation has very few living moms, so I am fortunate. My husband’s mom died many years ago, so this holiday only holds memories for him.
Some of you have lost children and it must be very hard to celebrate this holiday of motherhood when your children aren’t here to honor you. Other women chose not to have children or could not become mothers and perhaps lost babies. It is both a difficult and wonderful day filled with emotions of all kinds.
Strangely, I am one of the “lucky” ones because I don’t usually see either my mom or children on Mother’s Day as they live far away. I will be happy, like usual, for a phone call and chance to chat with our sons and my mom.
Mothers are our backbone, our “go to people” who can always be counted on to love us, no matter what. It is not always easy being a mother, but I am so grateful to be one. Now that our sons are mature adults, when they call to talk with mom, I know they still lean on me now and then. I am so proud of them now and forever.
I encourage everyone to find a way to honor your Mother and all mothers. COVID-19 has taught us to be resilient and creative. Let’s embrace this celebration of our moms in new ways, whatever we can do.
By KAYE SULLIVAN | Special to the Herald Times
