The Essence of Mother's Day

It was Mother’s Day this past weekend and I hope you had an opportunity to honor your mom or if you are a mother your children did something special for you.  We are truly blessed by the mothers in our Malden Catholic community who are teachers, staff and parents. 

When I was of elementary school age, I had a great idea the day before Mother’s Day.  I wanted to honor my mother by going to the local convenience store and purchasing her a card.  I didn’t have transportation or money, so I went to my usual resource – my mother.  I told her my plan and she happily agreed.  She gave me a few dollars and drove me to the store.  She waited in the car while I sent inside.  That’s when the trouble began. 

Once in the store, my eye caught the aisle with the new selection of squirt guns.  Here it was, right before summer began and I was standing in front of the latest inventory of squirt guns with money in my pocket.  When would this happen again?  I didn’t make the right decision that Mother’s Day.

 Every year since on Mother’s Day we have the same conversation.

“Hello mom, Happy Mother’s Day!”

“Hi John, where’s my squirt gun?”

This past Sunday, it was the same conversation.

For the past 48 years I have endured the consequences of my mistake in not honoring my mother.  I tell this story to students regularly to encourage them to avoid my experience.  If there are any students reading this note, by all means take every opportunity to thank and honor your mom.  She not only deserves it, but if you don’t you may end up in my shoes.

Here at Malden Catholic, it’s our moms who volunteer and help make the extra special events happen.  As we move to the end of the school, I know that many of our “special touches” and care demonstrated towards our students is because of this important group.