Full Moon Mother’s Day Fever

I didn’t think too much of it, but there it was: the super-full moon appeared this past weekend. The moon sports a full figure in our part of the world when I least expect it – just like Mother’s Day. How did Mother’s Day come up on me so fast? Am I the only one who feels this way? I just dealt with Valentine’s Day.

Seriously, Mother’s Day means a lot to me. Yes, Mom always was a big supporter of my endeavors in life, but she also had that ability to knock the dreamy stars out of my eyes and provide me with good doses of reality. I felt resentment in those days, but to be honest, I now appreciate those “Reality Checks” from over 30 years ago. Now, I provide those same doses of reality to my daughter. Well, we all know what “they” say about paybacks, right?

I suppose it’s the “guy in me,” but I’m just not a gift-giver. Don’t me wrong: I’m not an ungrateful son; it’s just that I cannot anticipate what people want. I cannot stand looking at greeting cards hoping that whatever I pick out will be appropriate for the recipient. No, there’s no way, I’m clothes shopping for Mom. Forget about it and not just for her, but anybody. I just don’t get how anyone can go clothes shopping for someone else. There are way too many variables involved and we all know what that means: gift returns galore. 

So just what did I get for Mom over the years? Well, I typically sent those hated-greeting cards. But, what a minute: I always called. And I hate the phone. Wow, I’m turning into an even crustier version of my dad. There were those years where I digressed from my Mother’s Day “plan.” In my twenties, I sent barbeque accessories. Certain years I sent restaurant gift cards and/or coupons.

Actually, Mom isn’t too hard to please. She likes a simple meal at the local Chinese restaurant or a chain like Longhorn Steaks for Mother’s Day. My sisters beat the rush and treated Mom to a Mother’s Day meal last weekend. Mom got sick of cooking years ago and deeply appreciates anyone taking her out to dinner. Since I’ve been the cook of the house for many years, I relate to those feelings these days.

So, it was a nice surprise when the shining massive rock was out in full glory last weekend. There it was full and bright happily gazing down upon me to tell me to get off my duff and remember Mother’s Day. Note to self: “Call Mom at 5 p.m.”