Mother's Day...and why we recognize every mother

Yesterday, as I was heading back home from having spent Mother's Day weekend with my maternal unit, I was reflecting on the fact that my girlfriend would not be spending Mother's Day with her mother for the 5th consecutive year...and why it bothered me so much.

Before I continue, I should layout the following facts: 

1. Yes, her mother is very much alive
2. Yes, her mother did raise her
3. No, they are not estranged.

In short, there is no obvious reason for her behavior. Granted, she's worked at a restaurant for the better part of the last 4-5 years, and they always require her to work on Mother's Day, but she didn't seem motivated at all to treat this day any differently. And she should.

Everyone (unless your mom spent every waking moment of her life trying to kill you) should take a moment to recognize this day. Because even if you hate your mom, hate yourself, hate your life...she gave you a chance at a good one by giving birth to you. And I wanted to somehow tell her this. 

But then, she suddenly picked up the phone and left her mom a Happy Mother's Day voicemail. So I decided to just leave it be for one more year.