Moher's Day

The day before Mother’s Day, I texted Gabe (my sister’s husband) and asked, “Hi. What did you plan for Mother’s Day?”

He said he’d been hiking for the last two days and was just getting home, maybe planning dinner and a chill afternoon by the pool with snacks and the boys serving the moms. I said that sounded cute, and that I’d be driving back either really late that night or early in the morning. I told him I could help cook brunch with him and the boys if that’s what they were thinking—just let me know.

But honestly, I wasn’t really loving the tone of the texts. I read them to Sheila and she felt the same way. There was just something that made me feel… out of the loop.

Still, I came home at 10:30 the next morning and talked with my mom before she left to get her nails done with my sister. At 2, she texted that she was heading over to Gabe’s. I did go—but I kind of just showed up. I didn’t bring anything, didn’t help cook, didn’t really engage. I said Happy Mother’s Day, hung out a bit, and left. It all felt… distant. And while the setup was lovely—he bought them flowers, had food ready, made it nice—I just didn’t feel part of it. I felt like an outsider.

I don’t know what they thought of that, and honestly, I don’t really care. I already had plans to come home and be part of the day, but the vibe wasn’t inviting. So today, I’m making my mom breakfast and giving her a card—something simple, just from me.

It’s interesting how often I find myself on the back burner in these situations. And while I’m not looking for a spotlight, it’s hard not to notice when you’re left in the shadows.

#MothersDayReflections #FamilyDynamics #PresentButNotIncluded #BackBurnerFeels #JustBeingHonest