Spring is here! For many families the onset of warmer weather and longer days means planting flowers, playing in the park and planning how to spend summer vacation. The month of May is also the time when men scramble and kids scribble to make cards and find that special something for Mom. Mother’s Day is a special time when we stop and honor the woman who packed our lunches, kissed our boo-boos and drove us around to every play date, sporting event, and doctor’s appointments. The way we celebrate is different for every family. Some families take mom out to share a meal, see a movie or send her on a spa day. Other families celebrate across the miles by sending a card or flowers and sharing time on the telephone. Mother’s Day may be all about the Mom, but in my house, it is more about the kids.
Since becoming parents, my husband and I have celebrated Mother’s Day by doing something that we know the kids would enjoy. In my mind, the perfect Mother’s Day is a day when my kids are happy and being good. A fun family day allows me to embrace the most wonderful part of being a mom, spending time with my kids. Every mom is different, but I prefer to do something than to receive something as a gift. Instead of a piece of jewelry or a new handbag, I would rather get a handmade card from the kids and spend time together doing something fun.
This year we spent our day as a family doing something we all love, watching the Detroit Tigers play at Comerica Park. For a sports family like us, there is nothing better than Mother’s Day at the ballpark surrounded by the sights and sounds of major league baseball. This mom had a blast eating hotdogs, riding the Fly Ball Ferris Wheel, and watching my boys run the bases after the game.
Mother’s day was a day of making memories with the people who made me a Mom – my husband and my two amazing boys, Ryan and Liam. My husband has always said that my Mother’s Day is not really in May, it is in August. My first son was born on August 26, and that, in my husband’s mind, is the day I became a Mother….hence Mother’s Day. I will expect a card on August 26 then. J Well, if you think about it, he has a point. Who would turn down another day to celebrate? Not me. Maybe we can go to another game. Hint hint….
As for this year, Mother’s Day was full of highlights and surprises! My boys woke up early and were ready to go to the game before breakfast. They made beautiful cards and crafts at school and surrounded me with hugs and kisses. Soon after, it was time to make the 20 minute drive to Comerica Park. Once inside, the boys were given their free Torii Hunter Poster and we made our way to the Kids Club kiosk. Being members of the Detroit Tigers Kids Club has many perks and I highly recommend it for any little baseball fan! With our free activity sheets and baseball cards in hand, it was time to check out our seats.
As we walked through the massive stadium, we were approached by a young lady holding wristbands.
Surprise #1: Some of the Moms were being selected to go down onto the field for a pre-game Mother’s Day event. Did I go?? Heck yeah! I hugged my family and made my way to the line of ladies waiting behind the scoreboard. The line was long, but I was lucky to be standing with some awesome Moms and we shared stories about our kids and lives to help the time pass. Once the line started moving we entered the tunnel to make our way toward the outfield.
Surprise #2: FREE t-shirts! We were handed pink Detroit Tigers t-shirts with the date and Mother’s Day printed on them. So cool! Walking and putting on our t-shirts, we laughed and jumped up and down like kids in anticipation. It was an amazing feeling to turn the corner and exit the tunnel onto the field of Comerica Park. I felt like a kid on Mother’s Day. I was able to locate my family and waved frantically so my boys could see Mommy on the field. Once we lined up, it was time to begin.
Surprise #3: The pre-game event that we were so honored to be a part of was the National Anthem. Now, the National Anthem at a sporting event has always made me feel a sense of pride and warmth in my heart. Today it meant even more. Not only did the Detroit Tigers honor Mothers, but they honored Breast Cancer Survivors as well. The infield was full of courageous women who fought and won. It was a surreal moment as the music played, the flag waved in the brisk Michigan wind and us Moms and survivors stood together in honor of our country.
The game was amazing, despite the Tigers loss. The day was full of fun photo opportunities, the boys riding the Tigers Carousel, and lots of yummy ballpark snacks. Ryan enjoyed the hot dog vendors so much, he ordered them on his own a few times. We cheered together, ate together, took in the sights and sounds of Comerica Park….together. It was exactly what I wanted for Mother’s Day…QUALITY family time together.
At the end of the game, the boys got to experience the thrill of stepping out on the field, as the Tigers allow kids to run the bases after each Sunday home game. I have to say, the Detroit Tigers and the people at Comerica Park do a wonderful job making this a place where families can have a great time together.
Another Mother’s Day has come and gone and while the celebration is over, the job of a mom is never-ending. When we become mothers and our lives revolve around our children, so it is wonderful to have a day that we can also celebrate our own mothers. Whether you see them on a daily basis or only a few times a year, it is important to take a moment to thank them for their unconditional love and support. For me, I am so blessed to have my mother and that she is able to be involved in the lives of my kids.
I also see Mother’s Day as a day to celebrate all of the women in our lives who have nurtured, cared and guided our lives. Sharing their experiences, mistakes, and successes to help shape who we are as women so on Mother’s Day, don’t forget all of these women.
Don’t get me wrong, I love flowers and presents, but most of all it is the monkey hugs, the “I love you Mommy” and the joy I see in my boys faces when we are having fun family time.
Time is precious, make the most of it.
