With Mother’s Day fast approaching, i was determined to find my mother a gift that would make her smile.
Even though I was only thirteen at the time, I knew she was having a challenging year, both personally and financially.
So, I asked her to accompany me to look for running shoes. I had an ulterior motive.
While shopping, I hoped she’d reveal a gift that she’d love to have, but did not have the money to purchase. Knowing her well, I could have bought her practical items. But, this year needed something special to lift her spirits.
As we walked through several large department stores, I commented on items I knew she liked: pretty dishes, extravagant purses and once, even a painting. Preoccupied with her life issues, she barely even glanced at most of them.
But, after I bought my new shoes, she paused to stare at a particular mannequin.
“Wow”, she said, “Imagine wearing that.”
Ah, at last, a gift that clearly met my criteria!
Early next morning, I returned to the store, excited that the mannequin still displayed its wears.
As I enthusiastically gushed that it was the perfect gift for my 45-year-old mother, the sales woman hesitated as she rang through my purchases.
“These are a little expensive, dear. Are you sure she’d really like these?”, she asked.
Well, of course, I was sure. My mother had told me herself. Price didn’t matter. Making her smile mattered.
On Mother’s Day, as my mother slowly pulled apart the yellow wrapping paper, I could barely contain my hands from pulling the gift out.
Frowning at first glance, she quickly smiled with motherly warmth.
“Why, honey, these really are something. They are so …unique. I sure wouldn’t want to wear them out. I’ll wear them on only a very special occasion.”
Dangling the hanger awkwardly, she held up the outfit the mannequin had worn:
A sequins studded thick black leather bra- with matching panties, of course.
This Mother’s Day, mothers everywhere will open up equally tacky gifts-
And SMILE.
For all they see is the love that accompanies it.
Happy Mother’s Day.