Young Jackson James is only forty-two days old, but he’s already made quite an impact. If his arrival was anything like David, Elizabeth, and Michael’s, you understand the meaning of love at first sight like no other time in your life. He wasn’t here a moment ago, and now he is. Your life has changed forever.
I read online, the American version of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. Her mother frequently expressed a desire for the establishment of such a holiday, and after her mother’s death, she led the movement for the commemoration. Jarvis later denounced the holiday’s commercialization and spent the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar. She obviously failed.
The picture I chose to post with this story sums up a parent’s life pretty well. They can literally pee on you and you still love them. A parent’s love is unconditional.
I’ll avoid the common platitudes about mothers. You’ll probably receive a card, or two, today. They’ll address those attributes. But here’s a few expectations that may come as a surprise.
When Jack is four, or five, he’ll gather a bouquet of dandelions or Queen Anne’s Lace. He may even pick a stray tulip or daffodil. Whatever he chooses for this first presentation will be the most thoughtful bouquet you’ll ever receive. He’ll present it because he loves you, and the first time you receive a bouquet may be a “just because” gift.
On May 12, 2030, nine year old Jackson will walk into your bedroom with a breakfast tray to surprise you. There’ll be a homemade card on the tray and a stack of pancakes he made himself. They’ll be doused in orange juice, because the glass tipped a bit during transport, but you’ll love them just the same. He may add sprinkles to help celebrate the day. He’ll be sure to include a half a banana, because he knows that’s part of your daily routine. The kitchen will be a mess, but you won’t care.
On your fifteenth Mother’s Day you’ll receive a card signed by Jack but purchased by Michael. He’ll be too cool to remember your day. That attitude will only last a year or two.
When he’s twenty, Jack will be away at school somewhere. You’ll look forward to his call, especially the part when he tells you he loves you. You both know it’s true, but sometimes it’s easier to say over the phone.
In between these milestones, you’ll receive a mountain of cards, both homemade and store bought. You’ll save them and put them in a folder along with poems and short stories he writes for school or the new love of his life. You may receive a set of hand prints set in plaster of Paris and drawings of your family. Please note the three of you holding hands with Jack featured in the middle. You’ll keep the special books he buys “just for you” and read his signature, and personal dedication, more often than the book.
For years I’ve thought Hallmark developed Mother’s and Father’s Day to sell greeting cards. And while it’s true companies like this paid for Anna Jarvis’s funeral, the true importance of today is we take time to reflect. We consider the journey and rejoice in those who help us make the trip.
Happy Mother’s Day!