I Hate Mother's Day

This morning, my wife, my two beautiful daughters (ages 3 and 10), and I enjoyed three hours on our bed. We enjoyed a all-too infrequent LA Times crossward puzzle while watching a Bugs Bunny DVD. Coffee and a blueberry muffin were served, followed by a beautiful fruit and yogurt parfait and a tomato, avocado, and feta cheese omelette. School-made cards and presents were opened. Even though it was Mother's Day, I have never had a better morning as a father.

So why am I anti-Mother's Day?

So far, I have missed my mother for three rememberance days. That's not counting the days that she was 3,000 miles away on the other coast. But that quick phone call was at least a connection. Now it's just spiritual.

I guess what broke my stoicism was my kids palying in the backyard. My mom would have had a ball just chasing the kids around. She spent he whole life preparing to be a grandmother. Didn't happen. Unfair.

How Did I Become a Housewife?

Before anyone castigates me, I am using the term “housewife” as a generic, unisex term. What I mean is someone who works from home, a fact that every neighbor, friend, and family member knows. Even though your work schedule is as rigid as a nine-to-fiver (well maybe), you are seen as someone who has flexible (read: non-existent) work hours.

We all have our routines. Mine is getting up and then waking up my fourth-grader. Next I nudge my wife and together we get breakfast and the lunchbox ready, as well as preparing our three-year old for her day. They leave for preschool/office and, after I drop my ten-year old at school, I have six hours of “free” time before I pick her up. Since my wife is at her away office and I am at home, I have incorporated household chores into my daily to-do list. Loading the dishwasher, doing the laundry, cleaning up, etc. are my contribution to the domestic cause.

I know how lucky I am to be involved in my daughter’s school through various volunteer positions made possible because of my writing habit. In fact, my experiences with the elementary school set have provided fodder for my keyboard. But sometimes it is difficult to determine where one role ends and the other begins.

Please don’t interpret this as “poor me.” I am grateful to play the part of a “stay-at-home mom” while pursuing my muse. My wife makes a great living, which has seen us through some lean times. Some lucrative writing gigs have allowed us to enjoy the better side of life.

I’m wondering if there are any other writers out there who are juggling the same responsibilities. I am interested in your thoughts, observations, and comments.