In 1979, Mother’s Day was on May 13. I know this because that is the day my first child and only daughter was born. I have told her many times over the years that she is by far the best Mother’s Day gift I have ever or could ever receive.

I was a very young mom - just 18 when she was born. But the truth is, though we are certainly wiser with each passing year, parenting is hard. And those little bundles of joy do not come with an instruction manual! We all learn completely by trial and error, doing the best we can with the tools we have at the time.

It sure is true that you don’t fully appreciate the wisdom of your parents until you become one yourself, isn’t it? All of a sudden I began finding myself repeating some of the same phrases I had heard and swore I would never say. Can you relate?

Mother’s Day is kind of a weird holiday to me, though. It’s always a bit confusing - should I wish my daughter Happy Mother’s Day because she is a mom?

She’s not my mom. How about my daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, my friends…they are all moms too.

Where do I draw the line?

In this “modernized” world of technology, too many people (in my opinion) simply put out a blanket Happy Mother’s Day message in a group chat or on social media - covering the bases of acknowledging every mom they know. My own children have done that with me, and they will tell you it did not go over well.

I have heard many stories of unhappy wives whose husbands were in the doghouse because they forgot Mother’s Day. Many women take greater offense to that than forgetting their birthday! And I think I know why.

We women often take on many roles in our lives, but none more demanding, emotionally draining, exhausting, scary, and often thankless than motherhood. There is also no other task more rewarding, love-filled, sacrificial, and profound on the planet.

I have the blessing of having a granddaughter who is graduating on Mother’s Day this year, and ironically, she looks very much like I did at her age. Watching her grow up has brought so much joy to my world.

I also have two grandsons who look (and act) just like their daddies when they were that age, and when I am with them, I see my little boy in them. It not only creates a deep bond, but it also allows me to do things differently…things I didn’t know or understand then.

To be more patient, encouraging, and take more time.

It has been said that becoming a grandparent is one's reward for surviving parenthood - and I believe that!

I have also been blessed to have a wonderful mother- in-law whom I adore. And while I have not had my own mom here on Earth with me for 18 years now, she makes me feel like I still have one.

So kosher or not, whether I know you or not, Happy Mother’s Day to all of you wonderful moms - of littles, of bigs, of in-betweens. May your day be extra special.

Contact Ellen at: ellen@syndicatepub.com