It’s Mother’s Day again.

I like the idea of a day that celebrates those of us that mother, but the cheezy commercialism of it is a bit much. Some years it flies by. I buy the card, send the gift. My own mother thinks the whole thing is silly, so there’s really no pressure.

For some reason I’m awake this year and searching for meaning, the ‘why’ of Mother’s Day.  Per usual, my wondering began with Google.

I learned that Mother’s Day was started in the United States by Anna Jarvis around the beginning of the twentith century.  There were, and still are, mothering type celebrations around the world when Jarvis spearheaded her day, but hers was the start of the big show we know today in the U.S.

Jarvis wanted a day to celebrate her mother and to promote community health, a cause dear to her and her mother. The day was well received, the president made it official a short while after, and then things just went to hell.

Retailors, flower shops, candy vendors and advertisers all got on board and Mother’s Day became the money making monster it is today.

Anna was devistated.

The day was originally supposed to be commerated in deeds and a hand written note according to Jarvis. She spent the rest of her days protesting the commercialism and even petitioned to have the day recinded, but by that time it was too late. She became bitter and never celebrated the day again.

Such a sad story.

I feel like I want to honor her original intent. In some small way, through one family in Arizona, I want to stand up for Anna.

So often we get fed up with the rush and money of things that we throw our hands up in the air and say, “Screw it, I’m not celebrating this, I’m not participating.”

I don’t want to do that, I’m returning to the source and I’m taking back Mother’s Day for Anna.

Beginning this year, no gifts, no flowers, or candy, or cards. I want a note from my children, in their handwriting.  It can say whatever they want as long as it is filled with their words and not Hallmark’s.

I will do the same for my extraordinary mom.

This nonsense has to stop at some point. Great idea, Anna. I’ve got your back.

My thoughts from the laundry room. Sleep Well.

balance children crazy life family holidays hope life Moms Motherhood Anna Jarvis commercialism life meaning Mother's Day motherhood Parenting thoughts women