Pencil Me in for June
Psst: How about a trade? One generally rainy and/or windy day in May for a Sunday in June?
When Mother’s Day was initially placed on the second Sunday of May, it must have made complete sense. Springtime. April showers = May flowers. Moms love flowers.
But, here’s the thing… Mother’s Day is generally the only empty Sunday within a burgeoning spring sports season. It hovers in May as the one perfect day for a long family bike ride, a hike in the woods or a kayaking venture. And sadly, the weather patterns in our area just can’t handle that kind of pressure.
Much of last year’s Mother’s Day was spent in the relative safety of our basement as a nasty tornado-spawning weather system hovered overhead. Massive clouds sped by, seemingly within reach of a tall man on a decent extension ladder, at threatening speeds that belied their size and oozed negative intentions. So much for the bike ride/picnic we had planned. We made a halfhearted attempt at cleaning the basement, but according to my kids, it just didn’t generate the same sense of fun. We planned to make the ride on another weekend, but soccer and track got in the way. For weeks.
This seems to happen most years. We’ve learned to make Mother’s Day plans only with pencils capped by quality erasers. One year, when the annual downpour began we headed to an indoor climbing wall in hopes of still creating a pseudo-outdoor experience. It was certainly better than cleaning the basement, but… Wouldn’t it be a rather gentlemanly gesture on the part of Dads everywhere to perhaps share that lovely third Sunday they enjoy every June?
I’m not asking for anything retroactive. No need to be petty on this. No need to tabulate the weather histories for the past seventeen years (which coincidentally coincide with the years I’ve been a greeting card carrying mother). But how about an alternating arrangement where Moms would get Junes of even years and Dads would retain their most perfect barbecuing day in the odd ones? My own mom and dad are no longer around to offer their opinions on the matter, but as many times as they admonished my three sisters and I to “share,” I’m fairly certain they would have backed me on this.
I know. Not really seeing this as an idea that will pick up speed like, say, a cold front on Mother’s Day.
But, I had to try…
“Fail Safe” Mother’s Day Ideas for Active Families:
Climbing Wall
Indoor Ice Rink
Puddle Jumping
Indoor Swimming Pool
Hike in a Cave
Basement cleaning
Happy Mother’s Day!! (We’re seeing actual sunshine at the moment! Quick!! Load up the bikes!)
Mother’s Day in Britain is in March…very chilly.
Hmmm… maybe I shouldn’t complain.
Mother’s Day in Australia is also the second Sunday in May but obviously the seasons are opposite – sometimes a bit wintry sometimes, still the last vestiges of summer warmth. My Mum had a double score this year – it was also her birthday…
-Glad you got to celebrate your mom twice, Mark!
We actually managed a rain-free bike ride here! And, I enjoyed my “breakfast in bed” treatment etc… The meal has improved over the years. It used to include carrots (yes, for breakfast!). This year, my oldest even ran out for coffee (he doesn’t know how to make it yet). Very sweet! I think most of us moms consider ourselves immensely privileged to be such a big part of our kids’ lives.
I think it’s a great idea! This year, our weather was okay so I shouldn’t complain but when I think of Mother’s Days of the past, I only remember chilly and/or rainy days. I’d love to be able to plan outings like the ones you mentioned! But, alas, I know better.
Actually we have never done any special on Mother’s Day, except the saying of Happy Mother’s Day.
Everyday is Mother’s Day …
Trisha: I think we’ve always tried to leapfrog a month or two in our May planning. It’s just predictably unpredictable! But, we always have a good time… even last year in the basement!
Rainfield: Really, a hug or two is all that’s required, and my kids are great about giving those all year long.
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