At the risk of dating this post I wish Moms everywhere a Happy Mother’s Day. Having shared that sentiment, please know that I am a firm believer that mothers should be celebrated on a daily basis, not just once a year. My Mom shares my belief. She should know, because she raised six kids.
Today, as I read through various Mother’s Day cards, one thing struck me. Frequently, the word tirelessly was included in the loving sentiment to mothers.
I literally sat in bed, questioning myself. “Tirelessly?” I asked myself. “Do I know what tirelessly means? Doesn’t it mean one is not tired?”
I then visualized a scene from Princess Bride. If you have yet to see Princess Bride, you really need to see the movie. Alas, I don’t want to lose my train of thought, so just trust me – watch the movie.
The scene, actually the scenes, I visualized were the ones where one of the characters frequently uses the word inconceivable. Here, have a look:
Am I the only mother that does not do this mother thing tirelessly? Am I the only mother that begs for more hours of sleep? Am I the only mother that reaches for a third cup of coffee just to make it through getting the kids to school?
Tirelessly? I think not.
Dads. I love you. Truly. Your role in parenthood is valuable in and of itself. Please know, Dads, I share this with you out of love and appreciation. I mean no harm. Mothers are not giving tirelessly. We are tired. We are exhausted. But, we know what needs to be done; and we step up, and we do it.
One of my biggest hopes is that my boys grow up and look back at me – their Mom – and say the type of wonderful things I’ve read about other Moms throughout the social media, blogs, news programs, etc. But, for the boys to say I did all of it tirelessly? Inconceivable.
Lenore's Thoughts Exactly 
Great posts, Lenore. Mothering is a full-time, exhausting job. But, it’s well worth the effort. Now that my boys are grown, I am catching up on my rest. You have that to look forward to one day. Happy Mother’s Day.
Thanks, Susan!
Fabulous post, Lenore – both in content and the way you tied it all together.
When my mom retired as a school teacher, she put an ad in the little neighborhood newspaper: “Mother…do you need a few hours to yourself?” Mom would go and stay with the kids – no charge. Some moms just slept, some wanted to have an hour long bath – it was interesting to hear the stories. Some moms cried through their thanks.
I can imagine some of the stories your Mom might share. What a wonderful act of kindness.
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you enjoyed the post.
~ Lenore
That was a wonderfully written and thoughful post.
My experience is that the only night a kid gets the stomach flu is just after Mom’s recovered from it!!
Cheers.. MJ
Thanks, MJ. Having spent Mother’s Day in bed with a stomach bug, here’s hoping my kids don’t get it. Ugh.
Cheers to you,
~ Lenore
It is so true about being tired all of the time. The worst part is I forgot to call my mother yesterday when all of the kids were home. We are going to have to do it tonight.
By the way, The Princess Bride is one of the best movies ever.
You have excellent taste, Rumbly.
I called my Mom several times yesterday, but she was never home. I finally left a message around 7pm.
I loved this post, Lenore!
I used to get mad at people who would say, “I don’t know how you do it!” when I was a single mom of three kids. I did it because I HAD to! I’m still exhausted a lot of the time…”tireless”…my butt.
Wendy
Glad you enjoyed it, Wendy. I’m exhausted just thinking about being a single parent.
Yes, what you said, “tireless” my butt. Amen.
~ Lenore
Great post! And I pretty much know every single line from that movie. 🙂
Thanks, Maineiac! Is there a bad line in Princess Bride? I think not.
Nobody does it tirelessly. I think all moms feel exhausted at the end of the day and wonder if they could or should have done more.
Amen, Paul. I’d write more, but honestly – I’m exhausted.
~ Lenore