What Mama Really Wants
The Mother’s Day media frenzy is upon us, with tales of what mothers Really want… This story from ABC News reports that in these difficult economic times spas, jewelry and flowers are apparently off the list, with mother’s today choosing the simple pleasure of being together as a family.
When you actually read the comments that ABC received from moms around the country, however, the message they share is quite different. Yes, we love being with our families. However, gifts of spa visits, jewelry and flowers, while nice to receive, may not be at the very top of the list. Each mother responding shared her idea of the perfect Mother’s Day gift, and here is our Mama Renew interpretation of their desires – quite different from that of ABC News:
Help!
It seems that that we would love more help with household responsibilities, or to be relieved of them entirely for one blissful day. As one mom shared,
“When there are dirty dishes on the counter, wash them. If you have to step over it to get where you’re going, pick it up and it away…A day where I do not need to orchestrate the cleaning, washing, cooking, homework would be heavenly.”
No Worries
Mothers shared worries about finances, employment, the welfare of their children, household responsibilities… How wonderful it would be to enjoy a day simply knowing that everything is fine, safe, healthy, stable… Peggy O’Mara of Mothering Magazine shared her wisdom with Mama Renew recently on the theme of optimism in difficult times.
Appreciated
The theme of feeling taken for granted is one echoed in many of their responses. Appreciation may take the form of household support, breakfast in bed, a spa visit or simply the gift of some much needed time off. We especially enjoyed the comment of a mother with grown children:
“What I really ‘want’ is a sunny day with my three wonderful children helping me do the ‘big stuff’ in my garden…I’d like it if we all shared some laughs, threw some burgers on the grill, and everybody tidied up afterward. I’d like everyone to hug each other before they left…I’d go to sleep so happy and peacefully with a blessing like that.”
We at Mama Renew hope you enjoy all of the above this Mother’s Day. Most of all, we hope you have the support you need to care for yourself so you can better care for your family. Check out our Inspired Gifts for Mothers Day for some great ideas.
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What About You?
What Does Mama Really Want?
We moved this year, and we’ve been blessed to be invited into a Mother’s Day tradition here – a loving group of dads organizes a mother’s day hike each year. We have been gifted with picnic goodies and trail map. Off we go! I’m guessing it might involve a mother’s day swim as well…
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Michelle Reply:
May 10th, 2009 at 7:02 PM
sounds so lovely – what a magnificent tradition to have and share with you!!! Hope you had a fabulous time!!!
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I would love some time together as a family, doing something fun, outside in the sunshine, but, since I am working on Mother’s day, what I would really really love is to come home that evening to a clean house.
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I asked my partner if we could go to a local goat cheese place that also makes gelato – I love the gelato, and having the little outing as a family, having our son see the goats, that would make my day. It isn’t expensive, but I always enjoy going there, and as our son gets older, he appreciates seeing the animals more.
I added to my request, “don’t bother with a card, they just end up in recycling”
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Sarah Reply:
May 10th, 2009 at 8:38 AM
Sounds delicious! We’re picking up some fresh goats milk today, perhaps we will try making gelato?
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