Did Someone Say Happy Mother's Day?

The day began on a dismal note. Izzy and I were breakfasting when A. came downstairs. He asked Izzy if he had given me something for Mother's Day. Now where and how, I ask you, is a five year old supposed to procure a Mother's Day gift if his father didn't assist him?? Don't even get me started. At least last year, he had crafted something at school, which was truly sweet. I have to say, I was disappointed that this year there was nary a card. What's with that anyway?** I had to wonder as I saw the children from a different class leave with a potted plant on Friday.

It was a good thing that we were off to do something unrelated to Mother's Day festivities. That was the day chosen to celebrate Grandpa's 99th Birthday. Which was alright by me considering that Mother's Day does not rank high on my list of favorite holidays.

Izzy and I took the train out for the birthday celebration. En route I noted many bouquets of flowers and gift-wrapped packages, destined for some lucky mamas somewhere. Holding Izzy's hand as we navigated our travels, I was grateful to be his mama, flowers or no. Strangers smiled and wished me Happy Mother's Day. I chatted with a lone mother whose grown children were in Brazil. At least I was with my boy.

We spent most of the day with Grandpa and then made our way back to Jersey City near dinnertime. I had initially thought that Izzy would treat me to a Mother's Day dinner but we were both too tired so we just went home and had leftovers. How many more years til Izzy is old enough to bring me breakfast in bed?

Until then I will have to accept Mother's Day moments and remember that if my grandma said that "Every day is Children's Day" then every day must be Mother's Day too. Like today when Izzy swiped some flowers from the neighbors' bushes and put them in my buttonholes.


**Imagine my surprise when one of the school moms told me that her son, Izzy's classmate, had brought home an adorable Mother's Day craft for her. What happened to Izzy's?? Did he make one. He told me that there had been some confusion with his and that someone else's name had been affixed to it. He didn't know what happened to it. I emailed the school and they claim that it was sent home "in a white bag". All I noticed in that white bag was an ice pack and I tossed it in the garbage. Where has the missing creation gone?? Stay-tuned as Mother's Day is not over yet!