Mother's Duties

Yesterday was Mother's Day in the U.S.  I almost completely missed it because our Fête des Mères here in France is on May 25. Thus I didn't have the constant Hallmark barrage of reminders. Luckily I spoke with my sister earlier in the week and was set straight.  Too late for a snail mail card but not too late for a video card and a phone call. But I could have missed it!


I told my Mommy that I love her and that I value all the love and support that she's given me throughout my lifetime. I did not tell her, and should have, that I realize what a lucky woman I am to have had such an idyllic childhood, a mother who always believed in my every quality even when it didn't exist, a mother who eventually accepted my weird needs to run off on adventures but whose resistance to those same adventures was only out of her concern for me.  A mother who is still with me even if we are an ocean apart. 

Yesterday was Mother's Day in the U.S.  I, however, did NOT get a message from either of my boys. This is not acceptable; not to a woman who insists on wearing a tiara for every special occasion. This is also not their usual style so I'm not hot angry, just a wee bit surprised. I was thinking I would just let it go and their shame or realization would eventually rise to the surface. Then I decided this is not something one should let go. I'm their mother. It's my job to teach them good manners. To honor their elders, especially their mothers. To remember their responsibilities. So I've chosen to fulfill my motherly responsibilities  it in a classic mother way. 

Public Shame and Guilt. 

So this morning, on each of their Facebook pages, I posted:

Dearest Mother, I just wanted to take the opportunity to tell you what a great mom you are. Happy Mother's Day. Colin/Ryan

(please feel free to copy and paste to your mother's page...since you forgot!)

And now I'm writing this blog post. I'm hoping I've done my job!

Happy Mother's Day (a day late) to all. And if you forgot, your mother still loves you. But call her right away. Public Shame and Guilt is far too easy...and far too much fun!