Dear Sons,

As we approach the annual holiday known in the US as “Mother’s Day” I thought I would take a few minutes to reflect on the importance of the day (and the benefits you can reap if you celebrate it…properly).

According to Wikipedia, Mother’s Day is a holiday meant to celebrate mothers and motherhood.  It’s an American invention, and not directly related to the many other celebrations of motherhood that have occurred worldwide over the centuries.

Did you catch that?  People have been celebrating mothers for centuries.  These are wise individuals indeed.

I know that in many cases, you find me, shall we say, annoying.  I bug you about living right, blessing your fellow man, and getting your homework done.

I have high expectations, and I let you know if you’re not meeting them.  For this, I do not apologize.

You’ll thank me.  Someday.

In addition to the annoying stuff though, I do believe that I’m at least moderately successful with the cooking, cleaning, washing, and homemaking thing.  This is a doggone nice place to live.  We have laughter and support one another.  Both of those last two are luxuries.  Not all families enjoy them.

In return for all of the service and blessings you have received, it is right and proper that you celebrate Mother’s Day (and next month, Father’s Day) by spoiling the appropriate parent.  The following list of suggestions should be helpful.  Hint: do at least 3 of them.

1. Breakfast in bed.  Always a perennial favorite of mothers.  I do suggest you get it cooked before I starve
2. Flowers.  Something pretty and with bright colors always makes me smile.   Don’t spend too much, but do get something lovely.
3. Jewelry.  I know I haven’t done much in the wearing of baubles and bangles in your life, but it is actually something that girls like.  Yes, I am a girl. I might wear more now that I don’t have to change diapers.  And you should get in the habit of sparkly presents anyway.  Your future wives know what I’m talking about.
4. Clean your room.  Hey, this one’s cheap!  Keeping a clean room will not only take my breath away, but will save you from hearing me complain about it.  A win-win situation if I’ve ever seen one.
5. A letter, card, or picture.  Artwork from my boys, or some heartfelt words are always treasured.
6. Chocolate.  I actually like simple chocolates; I don’t need a big fancy box.  Dark chocolate is preferred.
7. Uninterrupted naptime.  I know this one may be hard to believe, but most mothers don’t get to sleep for long periods of time without interruption.  Let me sleep, and if you have a burning question or announcement during that time, go find your father.
8. Peace.   This, my children, is a big request.  Get along with each other.  Spend a day without arguing.  You may actually like it.
9. Spend the day exercising your good manners.  No crude remarks or noises please.  Just for one day.
10. Say “I love you”.  Really.  Just say it.  Moms like that sort of thing.

And so my sons, I come to the end of the list.  By doing some of these things on Mother’s Day, you will be blessed with a happy Mama who just may return the favor.  Or at least do your laundry.

Love,

Your Mother.