Diet, Dessert and Dogs

For all the moms out there. . . 

Whether a Mom by birth,

[My mother on her wedding day, aged 22]

a Mom by choice,

[Elsie, you're a pretty good pillow."]

or a Mom you hold close in your heart,

[My Mom at my wedding, aged 59, three years before she died.]

Wishing you all day filled with happiness and time with loved ones, whoever they are, and wherever they may be.   

“Mum, we wish you a happy day, too.  And what do you mean, ‘Mom by choice’? Isn’t Elsie my real mother?  But–but she’s always been there, since I was born! And  I look just like her! And she lets me bug her without biting me back! And she–”

“Zip it, Chaser, Mum was talking about her and us.  I hate to break it to you, but we’re adopted. Even though I do look sort of like Mum, especially around the ears.”

“I’m devastated. But, okay, whatever, let’s play!”

Last Year at this Time: Dog Day: Celebrate All Moms

Two Years Ago: Dog Day: Still a Happy Day

© 2010 Diet, Dessert and Dogs

Although I am not a mother and I lost my own mom many years ago,  over time I’ve come to feel that Mother’s Day is nevertheless a cause for celebration. 

As Oprah Winfrey is fond of pointing out, motherhood is the hardest job on earth.  I wholeheartedly agree; and the older I get, the more I realize how much my mom accomplished simply by raising three daughters who are (more or less) upstanding citizens.  There are many ways to be a “mother”–whether by blood, adoption, or simply providing maternal compassion and care for someone you love. 

Calling your friend to make sure she made it home safely on the subway?  That’s mothering.  Helping your niece to install that new bathroom wallpaper?  Moms do that. Bringing soup to a sick neightbour?  Definitely a Mama’s job.  Watching out for the welfare of an ailing parent and ensuring that s/he is treated with dignity?  Simply returning the favor of mothering. Raising a domestic pet, one that’s entirely dependent on you for shelter, food, safety?  Those maternal instincts kicking in, whether or not you’re a biological parent, or even a female.  Everyone contains a kernel of ”mother” within them.

And so, here’s wishing you all a very, very Happy Mother’s Day, one in which you celebrate the many mothers in your life–as well as your your own role as mother, however it occurs.  Hardest job, perhaps, but also the most rewarding!

“Mum, you take great care of us and everything, but sometimes, I just like to pretend that Elsie is my mother. No offence–it’s only because you’re not quite as furry as she is.”