Reflections of May

This post is a review of activities for May, which brings fond memories.

May, the month with three diversified celebrations: May Day, Mother's Day, and Memorial Day.  I am one to profess that celebrations are like a sprinkle of spice on daily life.  I have been known to add a few exciting adventures of my own, in addition to the long list of holidays listed for the year. Example: January, "Snow Angel" giving generous acts of charity. April, "April in Paris" with afternoon movies and eating chocolate eclairs. June, "Day Trip" to wherever fate leads me. September, "Back to School Fling" an arm chair study of literature. October, "Indian Summer" to honor my ancestors.  All is good, but for now let's focus on May.

• May Day

It is fun to recall the the May 1st traditions stemming from the European pagan festival of spring. After the rowdy, raucous activities were toned down, the May Pole's lively dance and the May Baskets survived.  In our day, not many people recall the May Pole.  It is a colorful, "happy" dance, winding vivid, colored ribbon around a very tall pole.  Children and adults from the past, especially in Europe, enjoyed the May Pole.  As an American, I once took pleasure in dancing the May Pole. 

May Day Baskets are a delight. The fun is filling a basket with delectable goodies of all kinds.  It can be healthy fruit, green plants, perfumed flowers, scrumptious candy, actually anything you desire; then tuck the items inside a basket and leave it in the early morning hours on the door step of the recipient, or it can be delivered throughout the day. It's definitely a charitable act of happiness toward others. Men need not feel excluded. They may prepare a box with choice candy, musky smelling cologne, a designer tie, or a mind game bringing a sparkle to its receiver's eyes; maybe to your son/s, your dad, or co-workers.  A woman would love to receive a May Day gift from her male companion. However, May Day has passed -- let's make a commitment to participate in the beauty of creating happiness for others on this special day of May 1, 2018.

•  Mother's Day

Well, it happened again, a day to feel great happiness or a day to feel remorseful.  It is time for all women to realize we are nurturers to children, animals, plants, or whatever. It does not matter if we are single, married, or empty nesters.  

We are all Mothers.

The delightful book "The Perfect Mom" by Michelle Wilson, offers a humorous curve on the topic of mothers caring for children.  Shauna Wheelwright in her review of the book listed topics such as:

Do you ever lose your kids?
Have you gotten cross with them?

Or lost patience with them?

Have you ever called them by their siblings names?

Have you stolen Easter or Halloween candy from them?

Do you often feel like the WORST MOM?

One experience I had with a young son haunts me.  It was a hot, dry, Utah summer day. My young son, who was not happy with the idea of working in the yard, decided he had had enough.  He stomped over to a window and began his sulk.  I yelled at him and told him in strong vocabulary to "get to work." He glared, I turned on the heat, well, actually the water hose I held in my hand, and drenched him, as you would say, "Like a drown rat." He was furious. I felt victorious like an unjust viking warrior.  Of course, the day's yard-work came to a halt. The worse part of the drama was . . . I learned a neighbor witnessed the scene and seriously questioned the violent actions I would yield behind closed doors. I was labeled the WORST MOM by my son, AND the neighbor. 

I must admit, "I am so sorry."

In the wrap-up of the book review are these comforting words:  

Realize that you are the mom your kids need -- which makes you PERFECT for them.

 

• Memorial Day

On the last Monday of the month we, as American Citizens, honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military.  At first it was known as Decoration Day. It originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.  Today we honor the holiday as Memorial Day and give honor not only to the military service men and women, but also to our loved ones who have died.  The cemeteries are arrayed with U.S. flags, decorated wreaths, bright flowers in vases or pots, and often we see the shiny pin wheels spinning with the gentle breeze giving a wonderful display of life and energy.  

In 1943, during World War II, Norman Rockwell honored the military. He featured on the front cover of the Post magazine a series of famous basic human values the American and Allied troops were defending overseas.  Today more than ever, we need to remind ourselves, and our loved ones, of these basic human values as we honor our sacred Memorial Day. 

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Worship

Freedom from Fear

Freedom from Want

May Day, Mother's Day, and Memorial Day bring fond memories to cherish and participate in each year.

My dear Reader, it is with excitement I announce the post for next month:

"Calling the Joy of Summer"

Until then, know the Lord loves us and wants all to embrace happiness in every area of our lives.