Relaxation Costs Nothing and Makes a Sweet Mother’s Day Gift

 

Mothers’ Day is the day that we celebrate the ones who gave us life. We make breakfast and serve it in bed, or we take her out to dinner. Some spend lots of money buying the biggest, prettiest, and freshest bouquet of flowers. Some take her shopping or give her that piece of jewelry she has always admired. This blog will share how to give your mom the gift of relaxation a sweet mother’s day gift.

Showing love and affection, we fill her day with ourselves and what we want her to have. There is one catch. What do mothers really want on Mothers’ Day? The answer is simply peace and relaxation.

The Plan

My husband planned to give me a day alone for Mother’s Day eighteen years ago. Our daughters were 5 years old and 3 years old. He told me that he was going to take them and spend the day with his parents. They lived 1 ½ hours away from us. He was so proud of his plan. He told me that they would leave early Sunday morning. The day would be mine to enjoy on my own.

I dreamed of my Mother’s Day gift for a week. Every day I imagined how I would spend every moment. I planned to lounge in bed. At some point, I would take a leisurely bath. I imagined eating my breakfast without interruption. Then, I would lie down again to read. I would not hear “mommy,” “mom,” or “momma” once.

I also would not have to watch my husband ignore them, expecting me to attend to their needs.

The Plan Went Awry

Poet Robert Burns said it best in his poem To a Mouse. “The best laid schemes of Mice and Men go oft awry.”
Mother’s Day arrived. My husband got up and told the girls to get washed and dressed. He told them on Friday that they were going to visit Grammy and Papa. Upon awakening, our oldest daughter announced that she did not feel well. She complained that her head and stomach hurt. My husband and I were not deterred. We encouraged her to continue to get dressed. I was going to have the day I imagined.

Our daughter was not deterred either. She insisted that she did not feel well. She added that she felt like she was going to “throw up.” She was not her active, vivacious self. So, I gave in and told her that she could stay home.
Our youngest daughter’s face immediately changed. She got the biggest pouty face. She scrunched up her forehead and stuck her lips out. My husband and I were perplexed. The girls loved visiting their Grammy and Papa. He was determined to take at least one child, so he told our youngest “let’s go.”

A Daughter’s Resolve

She slowly walked to the van with her head down and pouty face. When she got in her car seat, she would not look at either of us. My husband tried to wave me away, but the mommy in me would not leave. I started a conversation with our youngest. “If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.” She did not respond and did not get out of her car seat.

“Do you want to stay home with Mommy?” No response. My husband said, “you don’t have to go, it’s okay.” No response. It was my turn. “Okay, babe. It’s okay. Do you want to go?” She shook her head no. “Do you want to stay home with Mommy?” She nodded yes. I took her hand and she jumped out of her car seat. I told her to go in the house.

And Dad Drove Off

My husband said, “well, it is Mother’s Day.” He got in the car and drove off.

So, the three of us girls lounged in bed and watched Barbie movies. Our oldest daughter started feeling better quickly. There was no vomiting and the headache subsided. Our youngest retired the pouty face for a big grin. I spent the day attending to their needs. I made breakfast and lunch and we watched whatever they wanted to watch on television. Happy Mother’s Day!

What moms really want on Mothers’ Day

We want to be free from the responsibilities of managing the household. This includes tangible and intangible responsibilities. It would be wonderful if someone else would cook, monitor food intake, and clean up. Is there a doctor, nurse, or therapist in the house? Moms would greatly appreciate not having to fill theses roles on Mother’s Day. Finally, we would love to enjoy the day without worrying about overspending.

Meaningful and Memorable Mothers’ Day Gift

Give a gift that will be meaningful and memorable. Give her a personal retreat. Create an agenda for rest, relaxation, and replenishing. Give mom her space, allowing her respite with no demands, responsibilities, or roles to fulfill. Be courageous like my husband and clear the house of everyone and anything that points to responsibilities. This includes laundry, cleaning, and bills. You don’t want her to think that she must do these things while she is enjoying her personal retreat.

Stock the fridge and cupboards with food or snack items that she enjoys. You can even deliver meals at scheduled intervals. Leave her favorite magazines or a book by her favorite author. Create a playlist of her favorite music. Have these items available and at her fingertips.

You can also arrange for her to talk to a friend or loved one for an extended period. She may not take the time to do it otherwise. Finally, leave notes of love and appreciation for her so she knows how you and other family members feel about her.

Important Note

Moms know the nuances and quirks of their family. Creating a retreat space for your mom will show her that you have paid attention and know her.

Relaxation a sweet Mother’s Day gift!!!!

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