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The Mother of All Holidays


By Risa Goldstein

Pssst... Hey, you. Yes, you, the husband of your wife, the father of your children. I'm going to let you in on a secret -- Mother's Day is May 9. As I write this, it's still 15 days away. That's plenty of time for you and the kids to put together a celebration that will knock your wife's socks off. I'm pretty sure you want your wife to know how thankful you are to have her in your life. But you might be lacking in skills when it comes to the "original ideas" departments. If this sounds like you, don't worry! There's still time to create the best ever Mother's Day for her.

What she needs -- what every mom needs -- is a bit of appreciation for all she does for you and your family. So, when you ask her what she wants for her special day and she says, "Oh, nothing really, just keep it simple with something homemade from the kids and some special family time," don't believe her.

I'm the first to admit there's nothing better than a bitter cup of coffee with six sugars added, eggs-with-shells-scrambled-in and cold, burnt toast for breakfast, all prepared with minimum talent but maximum love. But that's just not enough. I want more.

I'd love my own copy of that juicy new novel that won't be out in paperback for at least a year. And some quiet time to enjoy it. Or what about an article of clothing that tells me my husband Jeffrey sees me as a woman, not just a mom. Then, I want to be taken out to dinner at a kid-unfriendly restaurant and be reminded in person that he loves the woman I am.

If money is an issue -- and honestly, when isn't it an issue? -- give me a guilt-free day "off" to spend with my best girlfriends. Now that's something I haven't gotten to do since becoming a mom. Or what about a quiet day at home where Jeffrey does all the "dirty" work (dirty tushies, before-bed baths, dinner) and I get to do all the "fun" stuff (laughing, playing, cuddling). Give me an unsolicited massage. Or better yet, fold all my laundry and then give me that massage.

I know none of this will happen. I've accepted the fact that Jeffrey and I won't make it to that no-kids-allowed restaurant, but I don't really mind. We made the choice to become parents together, and there's nothing more important than parenting our two daughters. Before we know it, Breanna won't let us give her a bath anymore, and Shayna will insist on picking out her clothes alone. Now's our time to enjoy it, and them.

So bring on those homemade cards and gifts and scramble up a batch of shell-filled eggs. I'm ready to sit back and enjoy the laughter. And believe me, there's plenty of it to go around because in my happy little world, every day is Mother's Day.

Risa Goldstein is a writer/editor who spent 14 years in the New York publishing industry before "retiring" to sunny Southern California with her husband and their two amazing daughters. She can be reached at She can be reached at risa@familymanonline.com.
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