My 5yo daughter has been excited for Mother's Day all week. Her and Dad worked all week on a scavenger hunt for me. She cut out heart shaped notes and my husband helped write down what she wanted to say - all nice things that she/they love about me. She was so excited for today that she couldn't wait to give me flowers or the art she made in school, so I got those on Friday, lol. And all week she kept telling me very specific places not to check, so I wouldn't "ruin my surprise". It was adorable.

The gift was $0 but worth more than anything I've ever received because of the thought and care - and I feel so lucky. Two years ago I had the worst Mother's Day, my husband and I were not in a good place and he just basically...ignored the day because he was going through his own emotional turmoil. He didn't even say anything to me that year...and it was awful and has made me sort of not look forward to last year's or this year's, really. Mother's and Father's Day were always stressful growing up because of my Mom, and two years ago I just sort of gave up on it for myself. But today...well, it was totally different. Today was a reminder of how far we came as a couple, for him to work with her on this love note scavenger hunt. And a reminder of how cool my relationship is with my kid. I don't ever remember being as excited as she was for Mother's Day. I was always nervous that I wasn't doing enough and I am so, so, so happy that my kid doesn't have that anxiety. She was just excited to do something fun and SO excited to share it with me. And that is it's own gift.

Happy Mother's Day. Even if you're going through an awful holiday this year, it can turn around. Hugs.