Mothers. We all have one. Many of you are one. And many of you plan to become one in the future. And though we set one Sunday aside in May for Mother’s Day, that just doesn’t feel enough to honor our mom’s and all they’ve done for us. Every day should be Mother’s Day.
But if you think this blog is going to be all hearts and flowers about mothers and how wonderful they are (and they are), you came to the wrong place. Instead, I’m going to talk about all the different types of moms out there. The ones the kids see as their best friends, and the ones that kids are embarrassed to introduce their friends to.
In my case, I have your average, old-school mother. Lucky for me, she doesn’t nag me (much) and is very easy going when we hang out or travel together. (And back in the day, the last thing I wanted to do was hang out with my mother or any member of my family.) In recent years, my mom and I have bonded more over the Marvel superhero movies. She won’t admit it, but I think she has a crush on Thor. For a pre-Mother’s Day gift, I plan to take her to see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. (Shhh…. don’t tell her.)
Though my mom has always had a like of sci-fi and superheroes, she was far from a geek (again, she is old-school). But as I’m watching my friends become mothers, I’m thrilled to see them sharing their geeky side with their kids. Rights of passage become introducing them to Star Wars or Harry Potter or whatever geek thing they love.
Not just are the geeks growing up to be mom’s, but the goths and rockers are, too. Some kids today are listening to Metallica over Rafi. And Goodnight Moon is quickly replaced with Goosebumps. Some of my friends are the kind of moms who would invite the monster in the closet in for tea.
Overall, this is a whole new generation of mothers. They are certainly more tech savvy (my mom still has a rotary phone). And most are more in touch with what’s going on in their kids lives. Not that our parents weren’t, but when I was growing up, my mom was not my Facebook friend. Granted, this could be a blessing or a curse for child or mother.
Not that mothers should be their kids’ best friend. They still need to be mom. But doesn’t mean they can’t be pretty damn cool as well. And all the moms I know are inspiring. They are great role models for their children and work hard to maintain a household (and a few are lucky to have husbands who help out, too). It takes a lot to make a mom.
So yes, celebrate her with flowers, candy and breakfast in bed. Don’t forget the mimosas! But also remember that no two moms are alike, and don’t forget to celebrate what makes them unique. Here’s some unusual Mother’s Day t-shirts your one-of-a-kind mom may appreciate. Or, she may send you to your room without your supper.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Written by Tom Misuraca
I am an award-winning playwright/novelist/screenwriter/blogger. I enjoy comics (Batman, Fantastic Four, X-Men), movies, music (Gothic, Industrial, 80s), reading and yoga.