My Mother’s Days of past years were rushed Sundays of brunch for my stepmother and Chinese food dinner for my mother-in-law. What about me, my acknowledgement? By Sunday’s end, I was left exhausted and vaguely appreciated, aside from the priceless and dear refrigerator art.
These days, my grown daughters acknowledge me from afar. The happy Mother’s Day phone call comes before noon. I do understand they are two grown women with busy lives.
But then, more than ten years ago, I got the call. I was shocked!
I was informed by my older daughter, mom of our only grandchildren, that she had other plans for Mother’s Day, that did not include me. I felt devalued and jealous. She made the day about her, as I had always wanted to do in past years, and it gave me something to think about.
How many times have my daughters been told they are doing a great job, were diligent caregivers, dedicated wives, and hard-working employees? Was I told that in my earlier mothering years? Daughters become mothers too! So perhaps it is time to turn the tables, and reverse the ‘Day’.
I grabbed my prettiest notepaper and wrote:
Happy Mother’s Day- May 13, 2012
Dear Daughters,
As Mother’s Day approaches, it reminds me of my two phenomenal daughters and all they have given me.
Yeah, yeah, yeah I gave you birth, but you gave me so much more. You have given me unconditional love, happiness, pride and bit of a wild ride.
My First Born,
I am in awe of the woman you have become. You are smart, driven, fearless, brave, and you aggressively pursue your dreams. You teach your Mom, patience, people skills, beauty tips and you spoil me frequently.
My Little-Bit,
Your athletic accomplishments, Ivy League college and now living abroad.
You grab and embrace all that scares me. You are smart, fearless, and make me laugh and think all at the same time. Thank you for encouraging me to pursue my dreams. You also make me ask questions instead of resigning to situations.
Daughters,
I know I am the most fortunate mom to have such AWESOME daughters. Thank you for making my life so wonderful, so rewarding, so full of love.
I LOVE YOU!!!!!!
MoM
This Mother’s Day, I acknowledge and appreciate my two daughters~
Karen Fisher Ho
Karen Fisher Ho is a Travel Writer.
