Mother’s Day for me is a day to remind me of everything I’ve missed out on with not having a mom for 40 years. I didn’t realize how painful it was until I became a mom 28+ years ago. Though it was pretty tough in the beginning, the pain has graciously diminished over time. In the beginning a typical mother’s day would be spent by me running away alone for the day or weekend. I cherished those weekends away alone - and processed many thoughts and feelings during those days, often walking on a beach in Homer at low tide, or writing or reading while holed up in a hotel room. It was brought to my attention more than once that I may be robbing my kids of honoring their mom on Mother’s Day. I wanted them to understand that 1. There’s no need to feel pressure to make this day special for me; and 2. Mom’s should be honored everyday, not just one day of the year. 

More recently, and since I started the business and it’s become harder to run away, I have noticed I don’t have the “need” to escape as I did in my younger mom days. A new tradition has been born in the last few years, one that I look forward to very much  - three of my friends and I get together somewhere along Turnagain Arm starting ~9am and have “brunch”. Brunch consists of a little bit of food and a whole lot of bubbles! Later in the afternoon I’ll go on a bike ride or hike, and then my kids join me for dinner - just as they do almost every Sunday evening. 

What does Mother’s Day mean to you? And how do you like to spend it? I’d love to know! Share your thoughts with me…