Compassionate Love Blog: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness   (c)2017  Nancy Virden, Always the Fight Ministry

My sons and I are usually pragmatic.  As much as I love their displays of affection and respect, I do not want them forced by a date on the calendar. We feel the same way about gift-giving on Christmas. On my birthdays I have fun giving presents or throwing parties, and since it is my day, I’ll do it my way!

This is not rebellion, it is practical and rather literal interpretations of these holidays’ meanings. Celebrations are assigned the task of increasing our joy and love for each other and God. Why bog them down with heavy obligations, financial worries, frenzied shopping, and the like?

Last month I spent my birthday in a hospital which cost my sons money and time. Jon and Tim paid for parking each time they visited. They brought me gifts and dinner. For three weeks prior, Tim especially helped me out around the house and by driving me everywhere. While I mend, he picks up the slack. As my out-of-state driver’s license lapsed during my hospital stay, he is still my unofficial chauffeur.

He has cooked for me, and Jon has bought me dinner and picked up items at the store when I had no energy. Both have spent time playing Monopoly and Rummikub with their sick momma when I know they would have enjoyed watching movies or challenging friends on online video games.

Jon gave up precious time talking to his girlfriend, while Tim lost hours at work. No one can tell me these guys don’t love me.  Mother’s Day or not, they show it in big ways.

It makes no sense for them to spend more hard-saved money on taking me out to dinner, or buying me gifts. Not now. Not with everything else that has happened. Besides, I know what Mother’s Day holds.

We will be celebrating Jon’s birthday too. I’m planning a small surprise.  In addition, they are going to help me practice for a driving exam retest, required by Ohio. Last time I did this was 40 years ago. What a relief to have their support!

So you see, I am greatly blessed by adult children who show me I matter. Who needs a commercial, scheduled celebration?

Believe it or not, the founder of Mother’s Day agreed. Emotionally, she was so wrecked by how commercialized Mother’s Day had become, that she made its abolition her life’s goal. She passed away in 1948 in a since closed sanitarium in West Chester, PA (a town I happened to frequent often while living in the Philadelphia area.) Read her interesting story here.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you who are mothers-at-heart!  

Today’s Helpful Word

Proverbs 23:25 (The Passion Translation) 

NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental illness. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental health care.

cartoon pic by SILBERSCHUH on rgbstock.com

flower pic by  TACLUDA on rgbstock.com