Three Mother's Day Celebrations

On this morning's walk, we (three dogs and I) were joined by my daughter who walked alongside us with her bicycle. She was heading to work. I was carrying a box of compostable materials down to the recycle bin at the bottom of the hill. The dogs were sniffing new spring wildflowers and marking their territory.nnWith Mother's Day only a few days away, we talked about possible plans for Mother's Day. These plans fell into three categories ... that I think are worth sharing.nnWorking Mothers. Working Moms who also have children living at home, may need the day off, she suggested. Imagine having a day when you didn't have to work, and you could just be alone at home all day without any responsibilities. Kids and Dad/Partner would be off enjoying family play time until dinner. As Ed and Deb Shapiro write in a *Chillout Message*: "There is no one in the world more deserving of your love, caring and kindness than yourself. Today is Be Nice to Me Day!"nnSingle Mothers. Single mothers need a community of supportive friends who will offer to do the same thing. Friends can take the single mother's child or children out for a day of play and exploration. Let mother have a day without any demands except those she makes on herself.nnEmpty Nest Mothers. Chances are THIS mother would love to spend the day, or part of the day, surrounded by family. Cook a meal for Mom and sit down together, plant an herb garden for her, pack a picnic and take everyone on a family hike, do things that inspire creativity, love and laughter so that at the end of the day Mother is left with a happy memory of her special day.nnAt our family compound this Mother's Day, we're going to work together as a family to plant an herb and salad garden. Then we're going to pack a picnic and head for the mountains for an afternoon hike with kids, parents, grandma, and six dogs. One of us may stay behind to enjoy the quiet sanctuary of home with no one to talk to, but her *inner* self.