I think it was Erma Bombeck who said, “Mother’s Day is the day on which the family gathers together to thank their mom for everything she does – like cook a big Mother’s Day dinner for everyone.”

Actually, Mother’s Day is a day on which many families traditionally take Mom out for brunch or dinner, so she doesn’t have to cook. But there’s nothing traditional about Mother’s Day this year. Most restaurants around the country are still closed, or unavailable for in-house dining. Travel is severely limited, especially interstate travel. And social distancing is still being recommended or required for everyone, not just those who are in the “especially vulnerable” categories due to age or underlying health issues.

That doesn’t mean no one will be celebrating Mother’s Day this year. It just means we have to be a little more creative than usual. I was delighted when my daughter, who lives over 400 miles away, called a few days ago to suggest we have a “Zoom Brunch” for Mother’s Day. We’re each going to make our own brunch-or-snack of choice, fix an appropriate beverage, then meet at a certain time in front of our computers to nibble, sip, and chat – not necessarily in that order. While we were on the phone last night working out the details, I told her that her thoughtfulness in suggesting and arranging this was the best Mother’s Day gift I could think of.

Since both of my kids live far away from us – and have, for many years now – it’s been a long time since we’ve been together on Mother’s Day anyway. So being physically away from each other is no different this year than any other, although I still miss the days when we were all together. But I know this must be especially difficult for families that normally would be with each other but can’t, because of the coronavirus rules and guidelines. And for those whose mother may be in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility that is closed to visitors right now.

Still, we can use phone calls, video chats, Zoom brunches, and other means to stay in touch, to offer Mother’s Day wishes, and to share the “virtual” hugs and kisses we’re not able to give each other in person. We can let each other know that we love them, that we miss them, that we wish we could be together. And we can look forward to the day when we’ll be able to spend time with each other – in real time – once again. On Mother’s Day, or any day.

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 8, 2020
©Betty Liedtke, 2020

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