One More, From Mom

In the middle of the night

I woke in despair

To read the post I’ve long awaited

On the site where you’ve laid your soul bare

I have to admit

Your latest posts have left me questioning

Is my kid ok, or are his wounds really festering?

Your writing is bold and witty and funny

Sometimes it’s angry and pithy and punny

As your mom I understand that words are your outlet

Who knew how far you’d take this blog from the outset?

It’s the end of an era

One that had its highs and lows

The drama played out online

And at times you came to blows

But you put yourself out there

And for that you should be proud

You always stand by your convictions

Never aim to please the crowd

The people who know you

Understand who you are

We all love you for your passion

Your loyalty and  your eagerness to spar

I know you’re wondering where the road will lead next

Sometimes that’s scary and leaves you perplexed

No matter where life takes you

I know you’ll be fine

In the meantime we’re all grateful

It’s the end of the Jake Max whine

Mother's Day

            Brunch.  Hallmark cards.  Flowers.  Hugs.  Kisses.  Pictures.  Car-washing.  Dinner.  Mother’s Day…What is it?  On the outside a seemingly arbitrary day set aside to honor our mothers, grandmothers, and wives (one day maybe…), but in reality so much more.

            On Mother’s Day, household roles shift.  364 days a year my mom toils around the house, making dinner, doing laundry, cleaning (on top of her job and countless volunteer projects).  One day a year, mom sits in bed while we make her breakfast, and wash her car.  For one day a year, she sits back, relaxes, and watches us do the dirty work for a change.  We buy her cute cards, take her out to a fancy dinner, and treat her with the utmost respect and cordiality.

            But why is this day so important?  What is it about the second Sunday in May that brings out our best manners and appreciation?  In the end, the answer is pretty boring.  The idea of Mother’s Day has been around a long time, but it wasn’t until Woodrow Wilson declared it a National Holiday in 1914 that it became popular in the United States.

            Since then, Mother’s Day has become one of the most commercialized holidays, amongst the leaders in card and flower sales.  In fact, many dismiss the day as another consumer scam.  Regardless, I would argue that our reasoning behind Mother’s Day isn’t even that important.

            I don’t care how much money Hallmark makes on Mother’s Day each year.  I don’t care how many flowers are sold.  I don’t care how many long-distance phone calls are made.  There’s something oddly touching about honoring our mothers for no particular reason.  The truth is that we shouldn’t need a reason to go out of our way for our mothers.  If a quiet Sunday with brunch and flowers makes my mom happy, then that’s certainly good enough reason for me.

            So, to all those moms out there: Happy Mother’s Day.  You deserve it.