Outsourcing Mother's Day: FTD takes the load off

First off, let me clarify - I love Mother's Day, am a big fan of taking a day out to celebrate the woman who carried you around in her belly for several months, went through labor, and then for the next, oh, 30+ years took care of you. In fact, as someone who's mother died 6 years ago, I wish she was still around to give sweet little presents to! I feel the same way about Father's day too!

I am also a big fan of flowers - as a gardener, they bring me great joy. I tour my garden every day and interact with nature, nourishing, coaching, and enjoying the beauty.

I am not a fan of how FTD and other national floral chains make an absolute KILLING off of mother's day! We have outsourced our responsibility to our family members.

Here's my position: Assuming you really love your mother (I know there are exceptions out there), then take the time to observe the day as a reflection of that love. Stop by a local florist, cratsman, bakery, whatever, and make a small investment in a token of love and appreciation for your mother. Trust me - two dozen long stem roses are lovely, but save them for your spouse or girl/boyfriend.

Mothers are a sentimental lot, and would rather get a post it note with some kind words on it from you, then they would like to answer the doorbell to a cookie bouquet with a note written by a stranger! There is no amount of delivery that would be better than a phone call from you (if you can't stop by). Don't wait until 9:00 at night to do it - Any mother I know would love to be woken up on Mother's day by the jingle of a phone call from one of her children. If she's an electronic mom - send her an email, ecard, or post on her Facebook.... You don't need to take her out to a fancy brunch - have her over for coffee and cookies.

In my book, you don't get extra credit on Mother's day by spending more money, or having fancy gifts... this is a holiday where it really is the thought that counts. Please, don't outsource showing your love for your mother (or your father)...

PS - for those of you out there who are fathers with small children, who need help creating a special day for their mother... the same rules apply... sweet, homemade and sentimental is best, let it be something that helps her remember her "little babies" 10 years from now when they are stinky teenagers....

For all you Mothers out there - enjoy your special day - you deserve it!