Comfort Her

Mother's Day is this Sunday. I'm one of the few mothers on staff at my restaurant.  Last week, the kitchen crew was brainstorming what sort of food specials they should make for Mother's Day.  At the top of their list? 

Salad.  Lots of ideas about salad. 

I laughed in their faces. 

As a mother who hasn't had a day off in weeks, let me tell you something: on a list of things I want to eat on a day dedicated to moms, salad comes in dead last.  What I want is a stiff drink, french fries, something cheesy, and a bowl full of chocolate.  Why? 

Because I spend every day of my life ensuring others feel comforted, usually at the expense of my own happiness and comfort.  So for just one day out of the year, I'd like to make time to have people (myself included) give me that same level of care. 

Reader, whether you're celebrating Mother's Day as a mom, or if you're celebrating a special person in your life, remember that motherhood is about care.  The second we mothers become caretakers, we begin putting ourselves second.  If you want to give back to a mom this year, the best way to do that is to acknowledge her efforts, ask her about her creature comforts, then give them to her.  If you follow those guidelines, I guarantee you: she'll be thrilled. 

(And if you're a mom that doesn't have someone to give these things to you, please take the day to care for yourself.  The truth is, we shouldn't need just a day to honor mothers and their ongoing sacrifice, but as long as there is such a day, it's a nice excuse to indulge). 

I leave you this picture of my mom and dad when they first started dating.  I marvel at how effortlessly joyful my mom looked before I came along.  Children may make our life worthwhile, but it's good to keep in mind that we were always worthy of self love and appreciation, long before we took on the job of caring for another. 

See you next Monday. -Em

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