What does Mother's Day mean to you?

Mother's Day is a bit like Christmas Day in that each family has their own special way of celebrating it.

There are your particular traditions and histories, memories and emotions behind them all.

I have been a Mummy for just over 9 years now and, along with our girls' birthdays it is always a time to reflect on our journey of parenthood. The happiness, the love, the worry, the hamster wheel of exhaustion, the lessons learned, the giggles and tickles, the battles of will, the grey hairs gained, the way Motherhood changes you immeasurably for the better...

Growing up, Mother's Day was always a special service in church, followed by a large roast lunch and presents and cards for Mum. Daffodils and hyathinths had usually been planted in pots weeks earlier.

I suppose we've taken on similar traditions in our house too, although we are not regular church goers and would typically instead go for a walk on the beach or in the woods, then fill our tummies with a roast dinner in our local eatery before watching a family film together on the sofa. My husband always helps the girls choose little presents and factors in some Mummy alone time, usually in the form of a peaceful lie-in and sometimes a massage or a facial as well.

This year is different. We've just returned from celebrating my Dad's 70th at my parents home 6 hours drive away, so we won't see Grandma this Mother's Day. We have sent her a lovely present and cards and we'll Skype her tomorrow.

But Daddy Downs Side Up is also working away :/

My heart sank a little.

Suddenly I realised in a heartbeat that, again like Christmas, Mother's Day is not always a perfect, happy chocolate box occasion for everyone...

I am thinking of those who are single Mums of tiny ones, with no-one to organise the treat or time out they so richly deserve. The widows too whose husbands helped create their beautiful families, make them Mothers also.

I am thinking of those who's relationships with their mothers have broken down for whatever reason. Tomorrow will be a time of 'what ifs' and 'whys' if not anger and resentment.

I am thinking of the women who arms ache for a baby or child lost, or those who are not able to conceive. Being a Mum is a priviledge and not a given after all.

The stand in Mummies, the adoptive and foster Mummies, Grandmas who bring up their Grandchildren, the carers. We thank you too.

So, let's all count the blessings we have, and appreciate and celebrate Mummies in all their forms, for  we do not conform to a Clinton's Card template. To each and every one of you I shake your hand, pat you on the back and give you a bear hug.

I phoned my best friend in the world just now, she has just been approved for adoption, to wish her happy 'nearly a mummy' day. Little touches like that go a long way.

So if you are planning a perfect Mothering Sunday with breakfast in bed and lunch cooked for you and time out and all your children and a loving partner around you, you might just be in the minority. Enjoy it, savour every moment, and tell us how it went :)

I'll be walking on the beach with my girls, taking them for lunch with their Godmum and then falling asleep cuddling on the sofa, probably watching Mamma Mia. 

Perhaps Mother's Day is just as much about thanking our children for making us the Mummies we are.  H x