By Patricia Hubbard
This is not just for divorced mothers, but they will be especially appreciative of your efforts. Divorced moms need special handling, but then all moms do, so check it out.
Mother’s Day is upon us and you may be still wondering what to get for your mom that will please her. Take it from a mom of six, it’s the gifts you create that make her heart sing, again and again. You say you are not creative? It doesn’t matter!
When my children were small I always appreciated the cards they worked so long over in private. I couldn’t help but listen to their giggling and hearing them saying things like: “Mom you can’t come in here!” and then the voices from behind the closed door, saying such things as: “Mom’s really going to loove this one!” It just tickled my soul. When they presented them to me, I could have won an Academy Award for my act of “surprise and appreciation” for their dedicated labors.
Gifts that cost money couldn’t have pleased me more. It’s the same today, only I am a widow now. My needs have changed. My children send flowers, take me out to dinner or buy a gift they think is appropriate. But, the things I appreciate the most at my age, are that they cut my grass or clean my yard or fix a leaky toilet. They do things that need to be done without my having to ask.
Dads, you can do this, too.
The gift I remember giving my mom before she died at 93 was one she really appreciated and it didn’t cost a cent.
A Family Project
I chose my prettiest clear glass vase with a wide opening. My brothers and sister and I got together and chose little slips of colorful paper. On them we wrote “I remember when Mom and I” …and each one filled in some sweet, funny or special memories of them and our mom. Each one wrote as many as they wanted until we had a stack of memories written on the papers. We folded the papers in quarters and put them in the vase. The colored paper looked very pretty in the vase. We put a ribbon on the vase, tied it into a big bow and wrapped it in tissue paper. We tied it with another curly bow with streamers on it. One could use a pretty box bought at the Dollar Store if money is an issue.
Mom looked a little puzzled at first when we presented it to her, but as she began to read the memories, her face radiated with smiles and excitement as the memories were tweaked. We told her she didn’t have to read them all at one time, but could finish the next time she became lonely or down. She chose to keep some for later. We had as much fun as she did remembering the events each one had put on the notes. We had a recorder running while she opened and read the notes, thereby keeping the memories for posterity.
The Options Are Endless
One could change the note to read: “I love you Mom because…” Or when I grow up or get married I want to be just like you because…” The options are as large as the individuals.
We have given her coupons for a trip to the Hair Stylist or a visit to one of her favorite cousins or siblings, and promised to be the one to take her. A coupon for a pedicure or massage would be a great surprise.
Elderly mothers sometimes would prefer to stay home, as to go out because of physical disabilities, so bringing a meal to her or a casserole that could be put into the freezer until it was wanted would be much appreciated. Placing the food in smaller, single serving containers would make the treat last longer. My mom loved cheese cake, so on each special occasion, she got her own whole, home made, cheese cake which she cut into individual slices and put them in her freezer for later. Treats that last longer than the day of celebration are special and always remembered and so is the giver.
Don’t Forget To Say Thank You
Thank your mom for having you, a special poem or letter written just for Mom, for putting up with you when you were an edgy teenager, for all the heartache you caused and for always supporting you in all your endeavors. A simple Thank You and a hug to go with it will send her endorphins soaring. Soaring endorphins are a healthy state of being.
Love your mom.
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