That's Life: Mother's Day (got a problem with that?)

Issue of May 15, 2009 / 21 Iyar 5769

Dear That's Life,

People have different takes on Mother’s Day. The cynics/conspiracy theorists out there say it is a fictitious holiday made up by greeting card manufacturers to lure us into buying their products. Those of us who actually believe man landed on the moon, despite the flag seemingly waving in the breeze, enjoy the day and its sentimentality and, regardless of its origins, think it is a special day for families to enjoy.

As a kid, I remember when my brothers and I forgot Mother's Day one year. We never made that mistake again. And don't worry –– I sent flowers.

Shmoozing with someone I know at a little league game this week, she recalled a conversation she had with her husband. “Know why Mother’s Day comes before Father’s Day?” she asked him. Knowing his wife very well he responded, “Because you get what you give?” “Yup,” she said. That's certainly another way to look at it –– as a preview to Father’s Day. I guess my husband will be getting that new grill.

In my house I joke that it is a good thing one day a year is designated for moms –– because Father’s Day is really the other 364.

The projects that come home to celebrate Mother’s Day are always precious, but not nearly as much fun as the songs that are taught to the preschoolers. Hearing my little ones singing, “I Love You, Ema,” really doesn't get old. Whether they substitute Ema for Mommy, it does not matter –– they are still talking to me. But I guess the 364 days dads get just aren't enough.

Right after my son came over to me Sunday night to say goodnight and give me a kiss, he broke out into song. At the top of his lungs, as if he was singing in the shower, he began a rendition of, “I Love you, Abba,” complete with dance moves and clapping. So much for getting a whole day.

Happy Father’s Day, everyone. Cards are available for purchase.

MLW

Dear That's Life,

The story of Rabbi Akiva’s moment of inspiration is certainly inspiring. On Shabbos night my wife explained to the kids how Rabbi Akiva realized how the continuous drips of water that bore a hole through solid stone are likened to the Torah. With continuous commitment the Torah would be able to go into his mind. “When we learn Torah,” my wife explained, “it too will go into our heads and neshamas like it did for Rabbi Akiva.” Just then, as the lesson seemed to make its impression on the kids, our astute Aviva, 5, chimed in: “But mommy, then Rabbi Akiva would have a hole in his head!”

Woodmere