Like many other writers, I thought it would be appropriate to focus this week’s blog on motherhood.  After a couple of false starts, I abandoned the idea.  I am not a mother, so all of my thoughts were sentimental tributes to my mother.  Being my biggest fan, she certainly would have enjoyed them, but the nostalgic recollections might leave even my gentle readers a little bored.

However, after the Hallmark Holiday (which is what I call any occasion that involves card-giving, gift-giving, flowers & dinners in a restaurant, all from which I am excluded,) I had an epiphany.  Why not have a “Non-Mother’s Day?”  Many members of our society also  share responsibilities similar to a mother.  Why can’t we have a day to elevate what we do to a Hallmark Holiday, too?  I will let you, gentle reader, be the judge.

Although my husband has never uttered the phrase, “You’re not my mother!” I am sure that many of you have heard this.  That’s my point:  we’re not your mothers, but, at times, it may be difficult to differentiate between life partner and Mom.  What do you think?

We shop for food
We decide on recipes and lovingly prepare meals that you’ll enjoy
We make sure all of the food groups are represented
We discourage you from living on hamburgers, pizza and chicken nuggets

We clean up after cooking.
We pre-rinse the dirty dishes before loading the dishwasher
We search the house for the dirty glasses and plates mysteriously hiding in the most obscure places
We empty the dishwasher and know where everything goes

We pick up the dirty laundry from wherever it’s been peeled off (the living room, the bathroom, the garage???)
We do the laundry
We know which cycles to use for the best results
We understand the use of bleach
We add fabric softener so your clothes are soft and smell nice
We surreptitiously throw out shirts with stains or the socks with holes
We fold the laundry and put it away

We clean hairbrushes and combs
We clean the bathroom mirrors of toothpaste foam
We make sure there is shampoo and soap in the shower
We are the only ones who know how to re-load a roll of toilet paper

We feed the dog
We clean out the litter box
We make the vet appointments

We schedule play-dates with others
We remember the dates of specials occasions and shop for the gifts
We make sure that there are snacks & drinks for when your friends come over to play

We listen to your excitement or your disappointment when you tell us about your day

We encourage you to keep your own space neat & tidy
We remind you to do your chores

We know when to walk away from a silly tantrum

We tuck you into bed when you’re not feeling well,  hold you close,and kiss your forehead
We know where the thermometer, band-aids and aspirin are kept
We’ll stay up all night while you sleep, just in case you need us

We love you unconditionally.