Happy Mother’s Day

Written May 8, 2020

This Sunday is Mother’s Day and of course we still have a stay at home order in Ohio (I think it’s a safe at home order now, but you get the idea). This year will be quite a bit different for most moms.   I would think with Mother’s Day on May 10^th and retail opening May 12^th, the retail opening could have been moved up for all the moms who love to shop.  But I don’t make the rules.  Options are still pretty limited on what to do, but I am excited to celebrate with my little family.  Becoming a mother has been the hardest, but most rewarding thing I have ever done.

In the midst of my excitement, I would like to send a virtual hug to all those who have a hard time on Mother’s Day.   Those who want children, but haven’t been able to have any yet, those who have lost children, those who have lost their mom, etc, I feel for all of you.  Three years ago, on Mother’s Day, I was in Gatlinburg with Andy.  It was only a few weeks after our first pregnancy ended in miscarriage.  I am a generally positive person and was not bitter, but I did wonder that day if I would be able to celebrate Mother’s Day as a mom in the future.  I am sure that contributed to my excitement and appreciation this year, but I know some people have deeper feelings of sadness around this and I hope they can find a way to know they are loved and cared for on this day.

I could not write a Mother’s day post without mentioning my own incredible mother.  My Mom is the best.   I know a lot of people say that, but her personality is a Mom personality.   She is always thinking of other people first.   I could see her being a great mom to multiple kids, but I got her all to myself!  She still shared some of that love with my friends growing up.   They always thought she was the sweetest, because she is.   My Mom is the person who notices someone sitting by themselves and offers for them to sit with us.  She always thinks of how another person might feel about something.  I do not have this trait naturally (I have to admit I can be kind of aloof sometimes), but I strive to be more like her in this way.   She also acts like she doesn’t know how to cook much, but everyone in our family asks for her lasagna and chocolate cake on a regular basis.  She makes that chocolate cake for coworker birthdays sometimes too.   I’m assuming she would be the Office Mom in any office. On top of all of this, she had to learn to be independent a lot when I was growing up because my Dad has many health problems.   There were many times she would take me somewhere on her own or have to figure out how to do something around the house because she did not want my Dad to strain himself when he was having a bad time.   She taught me that I could do just about anything and face any situation that came my way, even if it was not what I had expected.  I am very thankful to have such a good example of being a mom. 

I also have to thank my wonder Mother-in-Law on this day too. She has been so laid back and accepting of me.  She doesn’t criticize anything I do or make passive aggressive comments.  I know I am very lucky because the relationship between a wife and her mother-in-law can often be a difficult one.  We even drove down to Tennessee last year with an 8 month old and had a great time together while Andy fished his National Championship tournament.   And she made it through raising ornery Andy! She is great J

I hope you are all able to find a way to celebrate this year.   I think the most requested gift this year may be alone time for the first time ever LOL.   Whether you are soaking up this extra family time or need a break, do what’s best for you and enjoy it mommas!  Happy Mother’s Day everyone!