By Lauren Galley
The first thing that comes to a teens mind when you ask them what the month of May means to them is most likely the fact that school is almost finished for the year and summer has begun! May is also the month we celebrate Mother’s Day! We don’t need much reminding of this special day due to the overload of flower commercials and Dad asking us for help in making plans. I don’t know about you but in general Mother’s Day celebrations mostly consist of flowers, candy, a nice lunch or dinner and the ever famous Hallmark card that helps us all put into words exactly how we feel. I’ve always thought it was kind of strange that one day is picked for the year to celebrate Moms. What would be even more strange is if Moms picked one day to take care of their children…or do laundry and prepare dinner!
Do teens appreciate their moms? I would say most really do. But what, exactly, are we appreciating? We appreciate the fact that our necessities are met. Mom’s preparing dinner, doing the family’s laundry, cleaning the house and, often times, giving Dad that extra nudge when we really want something special. In preparing for this article, I spent a day really observing everything my mom does for our family. It was an eye-opening experience as I made the time to really take notice of the extra care she takes for my dad and me. I was doing some homework the other night, and she made sure I had something to snack on. And the lemonade I was drinking miraculously was filled. Had I not have been really paying attention, I would have totally missed that gesture of love. Women are nurturers by nature, and some are so very gifted at being a mom that we don’t even stop to appreciate all the little things they do to help make our lives as teenagers so much easier.
The love of a mom goes far beyond the “duties” itemized by society. When we were little, Mom was the first one to make our skinned knees all better. As we grow older and mature in our early teens, many of us are embarrassed for anyone to even know we have a mom! Personally, I think this is ridiculous. I feel very proud to have my mom around and feel very lucky that Mom takes the extra time to teach and instill in me positive morals and values. We are a product of our surroundings, and I feel that teens tend to block their moms out of their lives for silly reasons. Trust me: If staying in the popular group means never being seen with your mom, I can assure you that you are missing out on some valuable and memorable times. Those popular kids won’t be there when you need help in college or your car breaks down, or you lose the guy or girl of your dreams and just want someone who cares. The bottom line is no one really cares and understands us like a mom does. Your mom knows you better than anyone, even that best friend forever that will probably take off in a different direction after high school.
Moms are a lot like superheroes. They are always there to save the day, but take great care in watching over us…even when we think we don’t need it and mostly when we act like we don’t want it. Being a teen comes with many privileges, and we feel as though we are truly grown up, but in reality we are just beginning to learn the big lessons in life. I can’t think of anyone better to be there to help catch me when I fall than my Mom. Have a wonderful celebration with your mom this year. I challenge you all to take the time to notice the little things, let her know you care, and most of all keep her in your life as you share the triumphs and heartbreaks you encounter. And know that along the way she will be proud of you no matter what. After all, she worked all her life to see you grow up and has help guide you, giving you the tools to make your dreams come true.
As for what to get your mom for Mother’s Day, do you know which gift will she love the most? I guarantee she will love the little moments more than anything you can buy in a store. So go create some of those moments.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! I love you so very much.
