I don't need fresh cut flowers that will die in a week or a plant that was cheap that you thought would look nice in a small pot in my backyard and will eventually die when it's too hot no matter how much I water it. I don't want breakfast in bed, I'm hardly even hungry in the morning and I have to take medication that makes me wait an hour anyways so I can work up an appetite. I don't need homemade cards although they can be very adorable and if it's really important to you that you do that then I won't say no and I will sincerely love it!
What I really want is honesty. Look me in the eye and tell me what you've done wrong and trust that I know you and love you enough to help you grow from your mistakes. Trust me to be forgiving and kind and understanding. Come to me with your struggles and allow me the opportunity to at least steer you in the right direction. Share with you my own personal experiences that might help you come to a better conclusion that you were at already. Be honest with me about things I'm doing that hurt your feelings so that I get a fighting chance to try to repair any damage I may have unknowingly caused you. Confide in me the person you want to be even if it isn't exactly like me.
What I really want is to smile. Tell me a good joke or funny story that will lift my spirits and make my tummy hurt with laughter. Give me words of encouragement and gratitude that bring a sweet tear to my eye and a bright smile on my face. Do something nice for me that you see me struggling with without being asked just because you love me and you love my smiling face. Spend time with me doing something that I love to do even if you don't. Make good choices and work hard in your life so that I can see the fruits of my labor and yours intertwined in one purpose.
What I really want is genuine feelings of love. Admission and acknowledgement for all the things I DO get done around here instead of all the things I try desperately to catch up on with little to no help. I really want you to love me. I want to be able to feel that you love me. To know that no matter what you will always love me and be pleased that I am your Mother. I want lots of hugs and kisses. Tell me stories you remember that are special and important to you while you sit on my knee enjoying the fresh spring air. Tell me stories about who you've become and what you've learned and where you're headed so I feel included in your life.
All I want for Mother's Day is to be with You.
