posted
We always have a birthday/mother's day get together. Two mom's and one grandma for mother's day and five birthdays within the immediate family all within the same week, mine included (Friday). Every few years or so my birthday falls on Mother's Day.
------------------ Amy Brown AMBO Design Lake Helen, FL jabrown@cfl.rr.com
"If only my toddler was better with paint & computers!"
Posts: 3502 | From: Lake Helen, FL, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
I will bring my Mother a pot full of flowers for her patio....we will spend part of the day laughing and chatting....then I will spend the rest of the day with my kids. We will most likely go out to a Mexican dinner (as they know I like to get out of cooking as much as possible)
posted
Hallmark invented Mother's Day to sell more cards. We won't be doin' nuthin'. I refuse to participate in such an obvious capitalist ploy to suck the money from the proletariat pocket. LE
------------------ LazyEdna in RL known as Sara Straw from southern Utah 5 National Parks within 3 hours drive Red Rock Heaven
Posts: 776 | From: Aurora, Utah, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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My daughter picked some cool lawn ornaments to send to her (you have to understand my Mom, she'll love 'em). WOW the shipping was twice as much as the gifts. Ah, she's worth it. Oh yeh, and the traditional phone call.
Cheryl: If my wife, child and I still lived in Anaheim,CA near my parents, we'd be going out for Mexican food too..MY FAVORITE! Slim pickins' up here in the great white North...I'm jealous.
------------------ Corey Wine signCONCEPTS Airdrie, Alberta, Canada The ex-Californian Canadian signconcepts1@home.com
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I told my sons that I wasn't in the mood to celebrate. This year I have lost both mothers, my Mom on Jan. 12 and Mother-in-law on Apr.3. But they told me it is too late there is something planned and made me realize that I would be cheating them and the grandchildren. They reminded me that this is the first year that we will not be going to see both moms and I belong to them on this day! I don't really receive gifts that well (rather they spend money on their wives) but I love being with my tall handsome sons. Moms brag, soooo they are 6'3" and 6'5". I will spend this Mother's Day reflecting upon the fact that the one thing in my life that I have enjoyed and treasured the most and hopefully been the most successful at is being a mother and grandmother. Now I'm crying damnit!!! Bye
------------------ Kathy Joiner River Road Graphics 41628 River Road Ponchatoula, La.70454 PH. (504)386-3313 casey@i-55.com
Old enough to know better...Too young to resist.
Posts: 1891 | From: Ponchatoula, LA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Hi all... Since mother's day hasn't been outlawed here YET, I got my mom a Whitman's sampler & a card. I didn't even poke my fingers in the bottoms of the candies! (with Whitman's, ya get a diagram) If they enclosed a diaphragm, we wouldn't have to worry about mother's or father's day...My mom is 75, had 7 kids, our house was always clean, our clothes were IRONED, we had good meals & homemade bread, and went to Mass every Sunday whether we wanted to or not. We got beat when we were bad and praised when we were good. She always said my brother Kevin was gonna be President someday, but that didn't happen. I think I'm the only "abby-normal" one in the bunch. As fer me, I will get a grubby preschool card from Justis, which I will treasure, something fun from Rachael, and nothing from Evan. But that's OK. It's all part of being a mom! I know I sound greedy, but just once, on mom's day, I would like coffee in bed, and maybe some flowers picked out of the yard. Bye for now! Love- JILL
------------------ Jill M. Welsh
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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My mom's anti-Mother's Day for the same reason LE brought up so I wont be doing anything at all.
My mom's headin out to the Baja Peninnsula this weekend loaded up with her kayaks for some fun-n-sun. I dont know what kinda water can be found out there but she's got both her whitewater 'yak and surf 'yak with her.
Now THAT's what I call a Mother's Day.. not stuck around the house waiting for family to show up and then having them linger around all darn day.
------------------ Mike Pipes Digital Illusion Custom Graphics Lake Havasu City, AZ http://www.stickerpimp.com
Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Bob, ... you are so right. Time is the best thing to give.
My mom is a daily part of my life. Rarely does a day go by that I don't talk to her, or see her.
I'm lucky! She does ALOT of nice and helpful things for us frequently.
Last week, to honour and show gratitude, we took her out to a place on the beach, sat outside, sipped KaluaKaladas, ate a wonderful dinner, and watched the sun go down.
This weekend she wants to have us over for a swim and some dinner on "her day". Since she loves to cook so much, we may just have to oblige her!
We'll come bearing gifts, big smiles and our appetites! It'll be for the latter two that she'll be the most elated.
Nettie
------------------ "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
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Glenn, Thanks for bring up such an important subject. It seems as if some Mom's almost refuse to be acknowleded that they are Mothers and almost DARE someone to tell them Happy Mothers Day. How dare hallmark for being so rude as to come up with a way to increase sales. I guess we don't do that here in the sign business. We all have our own reasons for how we feel about a subject but we can't blame anyone else for how we handle them. This is why I enjoy Mothers day. My real mom had to give me up for adoption at age 3. Adopted at age 6. My adopted mom had no clue how to handle a rebel little boy. Beat so many times I lost count and finally ran away for the 3rd time at age 14. I'm now 48. 15 yrs ago I finally found my real Mother. Come to find out she was in total misery all those years because she didn't know what happened to me. Have come to know her as a person and a wonderful human being. She regrets what happened but we don't discuss it and I don't care. She's my Mother and I Love her. I could have an attitude and hate Mothers Day. But what would that do but make my own life and those around me miserable. And BTW LE "HAPPY MOTHERS DAY" Gary H.
------------------ Gary&Dawn Hoopes SignCountry Overland Park, Ks. 913 831-1152
Posts: 40 | From: Overland Park, Kansas USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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My mom was operated on several years ago for clogged arteries in her legs. After the operation, due to nerve damage, she is basically confined to a wheelchair. This has made my mom very bitter towards life in general. We have tried everything to brighten her up, or bring her out of it, but nothing works. So this year, along with the candy or flowers or whatever I bring her, I think I will just tell her I love her no matter what, and be happy that she is here with us, and pray that someday, she will be healed and mom will be back.
------------------ John Deaton III Deaton Design 109 N. Cumberland Ave.,Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-573-9101
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in my sadder moments I reflect on the passage of time and the valuable things from the past that have fallen by the wayside. of all the things I feel we have lost as a collective of humans evolving, the one I regret the loss of most is respect. as each of my children have grown to a stage of pre-adulthood they have invariably come to a point where they feel it important to exert their new status by referring to me by my given name and not the honorary title of mum. I have with each of them explained that my name to them is 'mum' not gail, I have earnt the title and I respectfully request they use it. people I don't known call me gail, folk I have never had an intimate relationship with call me gail, total strangers on the telephone call me gail. I can happily say that after an explanation each of my kids has reverted to 'mum' as their preferred name for me, after all its who I am... to them while I accept the reality that not all woman who give birth are entitled to the honor of that name, I recognize the enormity of the gift every birth parent has given. after all you'd look pretty silly trying to live in this world without the body that houses you! I know that as a parent I have not done everything the right way, I would guess that I have done very little the way my children would have wished me too. but I have earnt the title and deserve the respect it affords. I am one of the lucky ones, I have amazing children, all have such bright enquiring minds and compassionate hearts, each of these talented loving human beings is forever tied to me in ways that even I can't always explain but as 'their' mum I am honored each day that they exist.
regards gail
------------------ on chat T2
Gail & Dave NSW Australia
taurus_signs@one.net.au
sumtimes ya just gota
Posts: 794 | From: 552 O'Regans Creek Rd Toogoom Qld 4655 Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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I'm disheartened by the cynicism that I'm reading here about Mother's Day. I guess for some, the glass is half empty and its sad to me. For me, I see it as a matter of perspective and what you want to make of it.
Yes, here in the States it was commercialized by the greeting card and floral industries, but its not up to them to define what Mother's Day should be. Its up to you and its up to me.
I love my Mom and Mother-In-Law. I'm fortunate enough at 39 to still have 3 grandmothers (one is a step-grandmother). I won't have two of them much longer. One suffers from Parkinson's and the other is demonstrating the early symptoms of Alhiemer's. But for now, none of that matters.
On Sunday, we will have a special day which is set aside to honor them.
It is their day.
I hope we all make the best of it while we still can.
posted
Well said Glenn. I too, was very fortunate to have had Great Grandma Lily, Grandma Isabel, Grandma Julie and of course my own Mom. I would never call my Mom by her name. To me she is "Mom". She is one of my best friends. When she goes away to Palm Springs in the winter I miss her terribly. I cherish our laughs and chats, and feel very sad for those who didn't have a Mom even close to being how special mine is. But I also feel that sometimes people tend to 'blame' parents for their own problems. I teach my kids to love and respect. Just as I love and respect them. It is a perfect time to show our Mom how special she is. And if she is in heaven...then reflect on the good memories. I find it hard to believe that a few of you don't have even ONE good memory. Toss out the bad thoughts.....and remember the good. It will make you a happier person.
posted
Cheryl, I'm really glad you have a great mom. Unfortunately, not everyone does. Instead of trying to make people feel they are lacking in "the right" feeling ... perhaps you need a bit of empathy for those who were not as fortunate as you are. LE
------------------ LazyEdna in RL known as Sara Straw from southern Utah 5 National Parks within 3 hours drive Red Rock Heaven
Posts: 776 | From: Aurora, Utah, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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This year I may have to honor my Mom, and show her she di OK in raising me, by NOT being around for Mothers's Day.
My daughter is in a hospital in Louisville(128 miles away) threatening to become a mother herself. She is not due until July 15, but has started labor 2 weeks ago. This pest Saturday she was rushed off to Louisville because they didn't think they could stop her from delivering. If she delivers in the next 3 weeks they want her to be there so the babies(yes twins) can allready be in a hospital that can care for premies.
My Mom can't make the trip, so I will probably spend Mother's Day with my wife and daughter, and give Mom a call. While we DO celebrate Mother's Day, it DOESN'T have to be on a certain day. I will be going to see Mom when I get back.
------------------ Don Hulsey Strokes by DON signs Utica, KY 270-275-9552 sbdsigns@aol.com
I've always been crazy... but it's kept me from going insane.
Posts: 2315 | From: Utica, KY U.S.A. | Registered: Jan 1999
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LE......as I said in my reply I feel very sad for those who don't have a Mom that they feel is special. I feel very sad for those. It seem if you let go of your anger....and search really hard, you might just have a happy memory of your Mom. I hope so. Have a nice Mother's Day LE.
posted
Some of the things in this post may be cynical, some sad, some real cool, but the one thing I've got from it, absolutely no doubt about it, is how much I need to appreciate my Mom while she is here. The same woman that wiped my nose is the same one that comes by and weeds vinyl (small stuff, too!!!) and just calls to see whats happening. She was also the one that came around first when I met my fiancee. Pop took a while, but Mom was there. Maybe she saw somethin'...
This is gonna be a really cool Mom's day. We're all going to the beach (as far away from Bike Week as possible!!!) and just hang out. My fiancee and I are gonna take her to Fort Macon to tour the old Civil War fortress. Mom and I went there years ago, but it's always fun to go back.
you brought up a good point, and I myself do have empathy for those not so fortunate, I don't understand why some people have great childhoods, and others are a nightmare. My wife has a child hood friend that fails miserably as a mother, Her own mother failed too. It seems as if it become learned unconcious behavior.
It gets passed down generations until someone breaks the chain.
------------------ Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA bob@creativesignworks.com
"Some people's kids"
Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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My Mom, my sister, my Grandmas, are all still with me in spirit, and what spirit they had! They taught me by their examples to be enjoying every minute of life, because they surely knew the secrets to life and shared them with us. Times were not easy along the way, but we learned together... from the golden book stories to the proms and confirmations, and weddings, Vietnam War, and the depression way back when...the good times when milk was only a quarter and candy still a penny and tennis shoes five bucks, the leave raking and gardening ; yes, all four of us kids would sing in a chorus when we did dishes! The two youngest soprano, the next eldest, descant, and my brother the alto. We had some rough, rough times with my parents divorce, but we have moved on and continue to care for each other like Mom, my sister, and all of our grandparents would have wanted more than anything else. On Mother's Day, we will keep our wonderful memories in our hearts. My Mom had a love for everyone in her heart. Everyone that entered her life felt like she was their Mom too; she made them feel special.
------------------ Deb Creative Signs "Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime."
[This message has been edited by Deb Fowler (edited May 10, 2001).]
Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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All mothers in Our Mothers Day service this sunday at church will be honored with flowers and will be recognized by each of their children with a special memory as a child.
After church, I will burn the chicken on the BBQ and under cook the baked potatos (as usual). Then we'll plant fresh flowers in the front yard, and sip iced tea.
Then we'll clear the room, and let mom put her feet up for the rest of the day so she can call her mom.
My father (who was abandoned at a train station by a drunken father, and an irresponsible mother) has adopted an elderly lady in our church who never had children.
He will call her and tell her how much she means to him as an adoptive mom. Tragedy in your life does not have to be permanant. It took many years for him to forgive abusive parents, but it is possible with help from above - there is no other way.
------------------ Mike Duncan Lettercraft Signs Alexandria VA
From here on down, its all up hill.
Posts: 1328 | From: Centreville, VA | Registered: Oct 2000
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We are taking Mom to Universal Studios for the weekend, Me, Hubby, our son and daughter in law and our grand daughter are all going. Too bad my dad doesn't want to good, but he has never beeb one for theme parks. This is a special mothers day for us, I have become a grandmom for the 1st time and my mom is a great grand mom for the first time. This trip should be fun (taking a 7 month old baby) Anyway my mom is the best, she is always there for us. And she is my best friend too. Terry
------------------ Terry Scott Family Graphics Deerfield Beach, Fl
Posts: 58 | From: Deerfield Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: May 1999
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I am fortunate to have a wonderful mom. My mother-in-law had a very troubled childhood. And it shows in many ways when she deals with situations.
I do have empathy for her. And even through all the harshness over the years towards me, I still have the ability to show her what respect is all about. I don't judge her and how she lives. I judge how I'm treated, because I respect myself.
Getting back to the mother's day celebration part of it all, I'm still such a new mom that I still find it hard to believe I have a stake in the day at all!
On Mother's Day, I am wishing for a sunny lazy day with just the three of us. Hopefully jammies till noon, go horseback riding with Cody and Mike walking along, and maybe pizza for dinner on a picnic blanket. I love gearing special times with all three of us.
For my mother's, we are having them over Saturday evening for preMother's Day and Cody's b-day. I plan to get some gorgeous hanging baskets and place them on the veranda like they're ours. Then surprise them when I mention they are to pick the one they like best to take home with them. (they drool over them every year)
We'll then either order in or have an outdoor weiner roast, then watch Cody dismantle his Teddy Bear birthday cake.
Incidently, I don't buy cards as well. I take a digital pic of what I think the mom's would appreciate, then make a card out of it on photo stock. My family is so large, I was nearly keeping Hallmark in biz 100% myself at one time.
I use this day to honor the moms in our lives. I could very well do that every day, but tend not to as life takes over. I'm grateful for a special day to put aside for this.
posted
When I was much younger and a member of a church youth group in Springfield,VA, we sorta adopted a nearby nusing home. The staff kept up with the elderly as to who had regular visitors, close family members and such. I learned at that young age what it was like to be alone through some of these folks.
Each year, the nursing home sent us a list of what they called "the abandoned ones." We made it a point to stop by and visit on Mother's Day and Father's Day respectively. On that day, our group would split up and find them. We brought them flowers and sometimes candy if it permited. And all we did was spend time with them. I think that an elderly person, being given the oportunity to tell someone about themselves and the "good memories" was probably the best gift anyone could give them.
I learned a lot from them. One of them was "respect." (something sorely missing today) The other was to be thankful for what I have and how blessed I really am.
At first, I really felt odd about being there rather than being at home with my Mom. But, she explained to me that being there, doing what we were doing was the best gift anyone could give her.
So, I said all that to say this.....If you don't have a Mom to share Mother's Day with, why not share the day with a Mom who has no one to share it with and make it special for her.
posted
Yesterday while I was waiting for Megan to come out of the card store, an aquaintance came by and asked what I was doing. I told him that because of my respect for him I felt like declining from telling him, but because of my caring, I'd rather he went through his changes because of me instead of the radio. You see, Phil lost both of his parents in the last six months and didn't know Mothers Day was approaching. I anticipated him having difficulty with a Mothers Day with no mom for the first time. We chatted about it and decided that there are several older women that he loves and could get cards for and visit. He walked away with a smile that followed the tears.
------------------ The SignShop Mendocino, California "Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"
Posts: 6806 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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We also visit an elderly lady. She is lonely and of course very old. Eventhough her hearing is almost gone...and she is ever so forgetful..we get along famously. She has added so much joy to our lives. My kids love her too. And I know we have made her smile, just by being there holding her hand. Old folks just need someone to love and a hand to hold.
What a wonderful idea!!! I was just reading this thread and feeling sorry for myself because I no longer have my mother. She died from Lung Cancer 7 years ago. And my own 3 teenage boys are at that stage..., well, you know.
Anyway, I wonder if someone could just show up Sunday morning at the nursing home with some flowers, and ask if they have any "Moms" who no longer have a "daughter"?
That might make both of our days!!!
Don't worry for me tho', my husband always remembers!
From my own experience, the Homes usually prefer that you call a few days ahead. Mother's Day can be somewhat hectic for the staff at times. It will help them to prepare that person for your arrival.
But, be warned!...If you do this, you may never want to stop!
posted
Glenn is right. We take our kids (here in springfield va) to visit these seniors every 2 months. They sing, do skits and pass out crayon colored handmade cards.
We get letters from the staff, thanking our children for this ministry.We get reports of how spirits are lifted and health is improved because of the interaction for these abandoned folks.
Our kids love it too. Nothing like watching two old men egging our kids to go faster during spontanious wheelchair races.
Hope someone comes to visit me. "Will ya still need me, will ya still feed me, when I'm 64?"
- Paul McCartney
------------------ Mike Duncan Lettercraft Signs Alexandria VA
From here on down, its all up hill.
Posts: 1328 | From: Centreville, VA | Registered: Oct 2000
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