Mother's Day

A letter to my adult children.

Hi kids. I know that within the next few weeks you’ll be looking for ideas of what to get me for Mother’s Day. Like most mothers, I’ll say I don’t want anything, or I’ll give you some practical suggestions, and maybe you’ll listen and maybe you won’t. Lewi and Lily will almost certainly present me with a collection of handmade art, and I will love it, as I always have. But for you older three, I’ve put together a special request list to consider. I figured I would take advantage of Mother’s Day to be, well, a mother.  

These are the things I’d love from you, for Mother’s Day and beyond.

1.       Start a new healthy habit. Maybe it’s adding a little exercise, taking vitamins, or eating one more vegetable each day. Doesn’t have to be a big thing, but do one small thing to enhance your health and increase your longevity.

2.       Break one unhealthy habit. Stop eating late at night, quit smoking (yes, I know about that) and stop exposing yourself to second-hand smoke, cut back on alcohol. Do this while you are young, and save yourself from years of addiction.

3.       Mend a relationship. Reconsider some of the people from your past. Maybe it’s a friend with whom you’ve lost touch, or a teacher you didn’t fully appreciate at the time. If you owe someone an apology, make it. If you need to forgive someone—including yourself—do it. Fix your past so that you can move forward.  (Please note: this is not a request that you rekindle a boyfriend or girlfriend relationship. Your exes—even though they are great people—at this point are better as exes.)

4.       Resolve an issue. If you’re indecisive about something, choose and move on. It doesn’t have to be a huge issue, but if you’re on the fence about it, it’s time to get off.

5.       Save some money. You’re going to need it. So instead of spending you hard-earned cash on disposable items like clothing, movies, pizza rolls, and imported beer, sock a little away. Those little bits will add up, and you’ll be able to do something worthwhile, like take some special classes or invest in something with long-term value.

6.       Help me sort your photos so I can get them into books. Seriously. I would love to get this project done, but I can’t do it without your help.

7.       Plan on having dinner at home on Mother’s Day. I’m happy to do the cooking in exchange for the privilege of gathering around the table with all of you. It really is my favorite thing, just being with you. Doing the dishes—not so much. So I’d be thrilled if you’d clean the kitchen together after we eat.

8.       And since you’re coming for dinner, if it’s not too much trouble, maybe you could bring me some chocolate. I’ll start working on my healthy habits on Monday.