Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1907-2001), writer, aviation pioneer, and widow of Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr. wrote:
“By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class.”
Interestingly enough, when Anne Lindbergh was only 7 years old, another woman, Anna Jarvis, after years spent lobbying politicians to set aside a day to honor mothers, was at last successful in 1914. That was the year Congress designated every second Sunday in May as Mother?s Day.
These completely unrelated incidents present interesting food for thought as Sunday, May 14 the country prepares to celebrate, for the 92nd time, the holiday devoted to mothers.
Everyone has, or had a mother. Most everyone knows a mother. And, according to the latest Census Bureau statistics, there are 80.5 million mothers of all ages in the United States.
Moms aren?t necessarily verbal about specific gifts, or attention they would like to receive on “their day.” It is usually left to their children, or their spouses to make the decision.
What does mom really want? The Census Bureau and Hallmark Research tell us that more than 150 million Mother?s Day cards will be given this year. A clerk at a Newscenter Hallmark store in Baltimore adds that miscellaneous items in her store, such as stuffed animals, plaques and music boxes are also big sellers.
Mark Weaver, a floral designer at Enchanted Petals Florist contends last minute purchases of roses, lilies, and blooming plants will keep him hopping even on Sunday. Of course, there?s always the street vendors, arms filled with bundled roses, who are ready to oblige at the very, very last moment.
“Mothers? birthstone rings are big this year,” says Paul Reinhardt of A&M Jewelers in Catonsville. “That is a gift [the customer] will give his wife. For his mother, he will choose a pendant or earrings.”
Preston Rooks, Chef Concierge at Intercontinental Harbor Court Hotel, keeps a list each year of booked restaurants, but says that even among them, there is always a possibility something will open up for his guests. And, believe it or not, there is availability at most eateries in Little Italy.
When all else fails, seems mothers just want the company of their children.
Oh, and perhaps the old stand-by is the best, after all. Breakfast in bed!
