This morning I cancelled Mother's Day.

This morning I cancelled Mother's Day.  That's right, the day that I hold dear is no more...at least for 2013.

Last night, as I was turning the light off in Laurel's closet, I noticed a lump between the window and the shade.  "Oh what's this?"  And all hell broke loose.

What I saw was Laurel's gift to me: potted flowers in a terra cotta pot.  I couldn't tell you the name of the flowers. (Green thumb gene clearly skipped me--I only know the names of flowers if I can find them on FTD.com) I wasn't even sure if they were actually alive.  But Laurel knew that I ruined her surprise and she was a puddle of tears.  With 5 days before Sunday, she claimed that she couldn't make anything else...not a picture or a description of her at the age of 7.  (Actually I really would love that description.)  She went to bed very upset.

And she woke up very upset...and pissed.  She was scorning Mother's Day and wanted to cancel it.  After trying to smooth her mood over and get the morning routine going without any luck, I also told her that I would cancel it.

The purpose of Mother's Day is to give me some peace.  Leaving me alone is a gift within itself.  After 364 days of full (mostly full) effort, the second Sunday in May should be effortless for me.  What Ching, Laurel and Rachel want to do is up to them.  Basically, all they have to do for me is give me a box of ice cream sandwiches and the remote control.

Everyone has a mother to wish a happy mothers day but not everyone is a mother.  I am not an inclusive person but I feel part of an elite crowd on Mother's Day.  This is a day when the laundry basket can be put down, the grocery list could be full of crap and the beds remain unmade.  Perhaps they can also get their own snacks.  It is also a day to feel continually blessed and somewhat astounded at my continual accomplishment.

Tonight Laurel feels better.  I am not sure what she has planned.  And secretly, I am glad to have my day back.  But I am not freakin' looking anywhere that  could hide a homemade gift, card or a fancy box from Bloomingdales.