The ghosts of Mothers Day past
Filed under: lifestyle, mobile phone, Mothers Day, SMS, social trends, text messaging
My poor Mum. I was thinking about all the terrible gifts I have given her for Mothers Day over the years and decided I would share them with you:
1) A used tissue disposal system. I made it from an old David Jones shopping bag, a toilet roll and shoe box. OK I was only little, but how could she possibly have pretended to be happy with that? Blessed is the kindness of mothers; she pretended to be thrilled and I can remember doing a joyful jig when she ACTUALLY BLEW HER NOSE on a tissue and used my invention.
2) A sandwich press. The shame. The horror. We actually set it up in the kitchen, plugged it in and then invited her to make us some toasted sandwiches. I feel so dirty.
3) A very ugly vase that she found in the back of the cupboard and donated it to the primary school for the Mothers Day sale. I bought it because I thought she might like it ’cause it matched the other one.
Now that I’m older and a bit wiser I have worked out that what gives Mum the most joy is time and attention. We’ll be doing lunch and chatting endlessly on Sunday and that’s what she wants (and hopefully the lovely Italian brooch I have bought for her). I’m lucky in that I can jump in my car and go and see her. Many children won’t be able to see their Mums this Sunday and so will send their Mum a text, picture message or give her a call.
Telstra reckons about 31 million text messages will be sent to Mums on Sunday. Interestingly last year we sent more texts to Mums than we sent to Dads for Fathers Day. Maybe Mums are more tech savvy or maybe we feel more compelled to thank them for their acting abilities, kindness and patience.
How will you celebrate Mothers Day? Do you have a gift story you’d like to share?
I know I’ll be calling my Mum — too far away to visit, which sucks, but at least I can call/Skype and say hello.
I wonder if there is a Mum out there who hasn’t received a gift similar to the ones you described. I know my Mum has, and, yes, they were received with the love and excitement only a Mum could muster!
Although in another state, I know my Mum will be enjoying seeing her her children, grandchildren and great grand daughter courtesy of a web cam and fast internet connection. Thank goodness for technology.
Brilliant Kristen! I remember buying my mother some elasticised macrame bead hair ties at a Mothers Day stall … pity she had very short hair. Also, come to think of it, I never did see where she put those fluro yellow crocheted nylon doilies. I can’t wait to see what my boys have chosen for me … the fridge magnet-cum-wind chime last year was a treasure.
I made mum a painting with hearts and flowers on it once. I wrote on it I hope you live for 100 years.
Now I’m a little older I can see how that is not such a wonderful thing to wish on. Imagine being a 135 years old and all wrinkly and stuff. Ewe.
Well the good news is some of those old vases etc are probably now considered retro or collectable and Mum can sell them on eBay for a load of cash and no one is offended!
I remember buying my Mum a ‘gold’ necklace with one of those hearts you could open & put pictures in.
Pity it turned green after 2 days
But Mum still has it after 30 years (I was 14 back then).
For me I don’t remember giving my mum any gift because we were more than busy in making a living then,.. i almost dont remember that only my parents will give me something new on my birthday …. even now that our life is a bit lifted from a very poor one still they dont bother to give me a missed call even they know my number, but i dont bother as long as i have given some of my obligations.This time maybe i’ll be having those missed call i want because i have send them even a fully working mobile phone 2 pcs i just prayed to god and wished of it,thank you if you will acknowledge this message of mine,GOD BLESS US ALL
Hi Kristen I like your writings!