Parents' Day or Commercial Fair

Earlier this week, I had a conversation with a friend regarding Mothers' day and how that one day got her questioning her current relationship. She is a mother to a son from a previous marriage and she has recently returned to the dating scene. After a few "swipes", she is now dating a medical doctor from her area who is also divorced; or so he claims. They have known each other for about four months and everything seemed to be working well. To tell you the truth I am already seeing too many red flags; but what do I know? I digress.

For weeks now, she had been raving about his thoughtfulness and dexterity with her baby boy. He could not do any wrong. Yet here she was, turning our monthly check-in call into a rant over flowers she did not receive on Mothers' day. According to her, a text message was not enough. He should have come around, showered her with attention, and most importantly bought her flowers. Instead, the doctor spent the day with his children and "ex-wife".

I could not believe my ears. Though I had my reservations about her new love interest, I had a hard time understanding her need to be showered by him when they had no children together. I thought to myself: "at least he acknowledged her by sending his well wishes before heading out to spend time with his family". I patiently listened to her, unsure if I should mention that someone wished happy mothers' day to me even though my baby never made it to this side of the universe. I stayed quiet.

When we finally ended the call, I stayed lost in thoughts for a while. What were Mothers' and Fathers' day truly about? Were they days set aside to celebrate our parents or significant other with whom we created a family? They seemed to have become simple commercial occasions for retailers to increase their bottom line. A little disheartening, if you ask me.

Then I wondered if I was supposed to return the favor and reach out to the one who I received the wish from for Father's day.

Today, as the world celebrates Fathers across the earth, I am left still wondering. At least I know that unlike me, he has other children who will show him love and make him proud. I am assuming my text message is not one he is expecting to receive.

Love is the key...