Mother's Day

My husband has always insisted that Mother’s or Father’s Day and Valentines Day were simply creations of the greeting card industry and therefore meaningless. The sentiments expressed to loved ones could and should be expressed on any, or every, other day of the year. I don’t disagree. You can forget me on Mother’s Day, but don’t you dare forget my birthday!

However, of all the Mother’s Days I’ve experienced, this one will probably be among the most memorable because my mother is alive to celebrate it. Her trip to hell and back these last couple of months is not over; she still faces radiation treatments for her cancer. But this is a very pleasant rest stop along the highway and we’re going to make the most of it.

Mom is in the skilled nursing facility in the next building from where Dad and I are living. When Sis and her partner come over later today, we’re going to kidnap Mom and bring her over here for ham, potato salad, asparagus, brownies, and ice cream (all pureed for Mom because she can’t chew yet). We’ll even let her have a little glass of wine.

This is her day. Queen for the Day. The royal treatment will include a manicure, flowers, cards, and a bottle of her favorite perfume.

Dad will want to play along. We got him a “to my wife” Mother’s Day card to sign for her. But after reading it over and over again for more than an hour last night, he still wouldn’t sign it; it seems he didn’t understand the sentiment in the card. I thought it was perfect: I love you because you make me smile even where there are all kinds of reasons not to; I love you because you make me feel like I can do anything; I love you because you know me better than anyone, yet you still love me.

I couldn’t have written a better letter from him to my mother! I finally put the card away and told him he can read it again and sign it this morning. His Parkinsons causes him to "sundown" physically and mentally; anything requiring a signature (even a greeting card) should be presented early int he day.

Will Mom get a card from her husband on Mother’s Day? (insert a little suspenseful organ music) Stay tuned for the next episode.

Sue