Today it's about just another day. And every day when you're a mom or a dad. Because once you become one, you don't sit around waiting for 'mother's day' and 'father's day' in order to enjoy your children. And let's admit that we didn't have children in the first place just so that one day a year they could lavish presents upon us and serve us breakfast in bed. Nope. Motherhood and fatherhood aren't about what you get in return. They're about giving. Giving of yourself. Giving life. Giving generously without regret. Giving your heart away. Giving your best. It's all about the giving. Every day of the year.
BUT. (A resounding but). There is, in fact, a mothers day and a fathers day. And on those days, we're reminded that it's a little bit about the getting too. Getting handmade art projects. Getting cards with barely legible signatures. Getting hugs and kisses without asking. Getting bacon and chocolate chip pancakes delived bed-side (and then getting to share them with hungry little children). Even getting an entire day's agenda centered around you. (Just as an example, if you are really lucky.)
But more importantly, the day inspires reflection on the bigger "gets"-- like the fact that you get to love someone from the beginning of their little life. You get the 'firsts' and you get the late night snuggles. Getting the giggles and getting to kiss the tears away. Getting to teach and getting to learn from someone half your size. Getting to hold a tiny hand and getting the thrill of removing the training wheels. Getting big, wet kisses and getting winked at with both eyes.
I do believe that if we measured out the giving and the getting and if we were really honest, we'd see that even though our jobs are to give and give, that somehow that getting cup runneth over and over and over.