I was alone on Mother’s Day.  My husband was out of town working, my daughter was at her in-laws.  My son attended a graduation ceremony and the after party with his in-laws.  I got a quick “Happy Mother’s Day” text from my daughter in the morning, and my son didn’t remember until 9:30 p.m.  Was I sad? No. Was I upset? No.  Was I lonely?  Maybe a little.  What I did do, was enjoy my day alone.  I curled up in bed with my Maltese and a hot cup of tea and binge-watched my favorite Netflix series. 

                I saw so many Facebook posts from friends, in private groups, who were upset that their husbands didn’t tell them “Happy Mother’s Day” (IMHO, you’re not their mother anyway), or that they didn’t receive the flowers they wanted, or gifts they enjoyed, and I found it so incredibly sad.  Mother’s Day isn’t about one day of the year for your kids to tell you, or show you, that they love you.  Mother’s Day is every day, all year long.  I was happy on Mother’s Day, even without my kids around, because I know my kids love me.  My daughter calls me every morning on her drive to work, and sometimes on her way home as well.  My son is in his twenties, and he still calls me when he needs his momma. When he needs advice, when he’s had a hard day at work, or when he just needs to talk, he turns to me.  When my son graduated college recently, with his master’s degree, he thanked me for helping him through the stress of it. My kids thank me when I make a big meal for the family (because they know I don’t particularly enjoy cooking, so it’s truly a labor of love for me).  I’m planning my daughter’s wedding and she thanks me profusely for helping her, quite often.  I’m needed, I’m wanted, I am loved, and my kids show it every day of the year. 

                Mother’s Day is a contrived holiday.  So, for all the mothers that didn’t get the “Happy Mother’s Day” greeting first thing in the morning, or didn’t get the flowers, gifts, or time they wanted, remember the great things your children do all throughout the year, and don’t let one contrived day ruin the beauty of your relationship.  Be grateful for the relationship you have with your children, all the other days of the year, and let them know that those days are much more important than just one Sunday.