Well here we are, the week before Mother’s Day. Before having my son, I used to dread this holiday. I used to be the manager at a local store that sells fresh fruit arrangements and fruit dipped in chocolate and Mother’s Day was our second biggest holiday. I remember those 3-4 days leading into the holiday, I was working 70 plus hours and thinking, “Wow. I’m so tired and I need sleep. How can I keep going?”. I always survived because I loved that job with all my heart and I loved making moms happy- especially on their special day. Fast forward five years. Now that I’m a mom I realized working 70 plus hours over a few days ain't got nothing on motherhood and raising a 4-year-old boy. But, just as it was with that job I had years ago, my love for him is what keeps me going every day and surviving no matter what life throws at us.
I think this strength was inherited from my mom. I watched her endure so much pain like losing my father to cancer when he was in his early 40’s and the loss of her first born son in a car accident when he was only 38. The list of close family members she lost was long. Somehow though, she always had a smile on her face. She always was singing a song, dancing and making others laugh with her silly jokes and great sense of humor. She kept a positive attitude through years of chemotherapy and radiation and was a fine example of what a strong woman looks like. I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss her every single day. I wish she had the chance to meet my son. I keep her memory alive by sharing a humongous tote filled with photographs I have of her and by telling stories about her life and some stories she passed down to me.
That feeling I had when I managed the fresh fruit gift shop of making Mother's Day extra special for moms has never left me. That’s why I’ve been so thrilled about our Mother's Day Giveaway. If I could enter myself, I would. The prizes are so amazing and so are the small businesses who donated the prizes. The contest ends tomorrow, May 7, at 2 PM. Be sure to enter once today and again tomorrow morning before it closes in the afternoon.
Macaroni Kid National is also having a Mother's Day Contest with 9 Prizes along with their friends at 99 Walks that you may enter until 5/10 at 11:59 PM EST. Check out THIS recipe for a quick indulgent breakfast your kids can make for you on Sunday then download the free printables in THIS ARTICLE to give your kids some inspiration for gifts of free chores and lists of what they love about you.
Today is your day to relax and enjoy yourself. Maybe you would like to order curbside pick-up or delivery to treat yourself. Many restaurants are offering special Mother's Day menus. View our Local Restaurant Guide which includes an interactive map to find the perfect meal to make your day complete.
I wish you all a very Happy Mother’s Day and I hope your day is memorable. We’d love to see how you are spending your day! Post your pictures on our Facebook Page or tag us on Instagram, @mackid_northpoconos.
“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” -Abraham Lincoln
