by: Arleen M. Kaptur
Mother's Day just rolls around every May, and
it seems that the stores and shoppes fill up with
frilly, pinky, lacy tokens of appreciation and love.
Not really - these are trinkets that someone else
made, a factory mass-produced, or a country far
away shipped over in crates, boxes, and on ships.
Mother's Day is what you decide to make it. It
should have your personal touch, your stamp of
approval, and your unique character, taste, and
hand-print all over it. Going to a store is a simple
matter, and with a few dollars, you have a "gift."
But it is not your gift, in a sense, it is someone
else's and that wonderful woman deserves a whole
lot more - like she thought you did when she was
there to laugh with you, smile, and even defend you
if need be. Those gremlins under your bed ran for
their lives, when Mom peeked under there to assure
you that it as safe to fall asleep. Meals, no matter
how frugal, simple, or elaborate, were there for your
nourishment, and your enjoyment. Sometimes a hot
dog could taste like filet because of the way Mom
took the time, even though there was always precious
little of it, to make sure you ate before you left the
house, for school, sport, or whatever.
There are some who are at odds with Mom every
once in a while, or very often. Surely, disagreements
will occur in any human relationship, especially when
one side grows in wisdom and one side grows in
years (depending on which side of the fence you are
sitting on at the moment). A mother sees a child
growing up and that pulls at those ol' heartstrings -
you are no longer needed as much, depended on
constantly, or are no longer the prettiest, smartest,
and most inventive person around. A child spreads
its growth wings and sees the world each day in a
new light, with ideas, and innovations that are created
and presented by the whole scope of the world.
You want to try, to reach, and to
achieve. Mom's ways become old-fashioned, out of
date, and mundane. This is natural, hurtful at times,
but very natural, and deep down, truly, either side
would not want it any other way.
So, this Mother's Day, turn back the clock just a bit.
Become the child you were, are, or can't seem to
remember anymore. Make something that represents
you and no gift on earth will be more cherished,
held tightly, and placed in that all important display
case - the human heart. It can
have ribbons, lace, sparkles, color, or whatever you
think is appropriate. It will cost, you know, but in your
time and energy, not in dollars and cents. Your gift will
become priceless and therefore it has accomplished
what it was meant to. It reflects what Mom stood for,
what love feels like, and what human relationships are
all about. A day not like any other - when only the best
will do.
It's all up to you - so pick up those pens, pencils,
and glue stick. Rembrandt you may not be, but you are
son or daughter and no matter how old you become,
"Did you make this for me" will be the quote of the day,
and the leap of heart will be
heard 'round the world - your's and Mom's.
ENJOY!